More goings on in the tours and activities sector. Singapore-based tours and activities player BeMyGuest has raised $400,000 angel fund to boost its marketing effort, improve technology and acquire content.
BeMyGuest has also used this fund to expand its management team, adding Blanca Menchaca as a partner and chief marketing officer. Menchaca was previously the global head of online marketing at Wego.
The company says that most tours and activity providers lack the resources to invest in modern distribution technology. This is in line with a recent PhoCusWright study about the tours and activities marketplace in Europe.
Founder and CEO Clement Wong says:
"By digitalizing and standardizing local travel content from suppliers across emerging markets we provide a marketplace for products otherwise unattainable for travellers who seek a unique and immersive experience, while supporting local businesses.
"Travellers today more frequently seek authenticity and interactive travel experiences which is what we’re able to deliver."
BeMyGuest wants to focus on the South East Asian market for now, and then expand to North Asia and LATAM markets.
The company was beta launched in October 2012. Now, there are 10,000 contracted tours and activities (in Asia) and claims it has served 200 customers so far (all organic).
Competitors of BeMyGuest in Asia includes Travspire (TLabs here), Triip.me (TLabs here), Indiescapes (TLabs here), Poshvine (TLabs here), Thrillophilia (secured $200,000 angel fund recently), Tushky and HighOnTravel.