Port, a Singapore-based
startup that describes itself as “the travel company for the remote era,” has
secured a pre-seed investment from H.I.S. Group.
The amount of the
investment has not been released, but Port CEO Philip Man says it was of “six
digits.”
Founded in April
2020, Port connects users with guides around the world who enable them to experience
destinations and business events through video calls rather than being there in-person. The guides follow the client’s instructions on what to see and do.
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Port's guides can be hired to provide a virtual walking tour of a city or visit to a site such as a museum, or they can be hired to walk the floor of a trade show or exhibition.
The interaction between the guide and client is
done through Port’s video call software, which enables the client to control the camera remotely, take and save photos and see the location of the guide.
H.I.S. Group is a multinational
conglomerate based in Japan comprising 148 companies in 64 countries, including
travel and tour agencies, hotels, theme parks and companies in transportation,
energy, robotics, insurance and more.
H.I.S. Group conducted
a pilot program for remote tourism with Port last summer and says it now plans
to promote Port as a platform for travel agencies, private guides and other
related companies, “aiming for a world where travel and human connection with
the local people can be had without having to meet physically.”
Port has also
partnered with destination management organizations, event organizers and
venues to provide remote tours for their customers.