In-destination services is the new hot thing in the tourism industry and smartphone apps are driving the industry based on consumer behaviour and accessibility. While some companies are offering travellers with lifetime experiences others are helping them more on the practical aspects of travelling like conveyance, food and accommodation. But there’s one Greek startup which aims to become the one-stop app platform for tourists when it comes to all the in-destination services required once the user has landed, starting from the pick up from the airport itself. Yes, we are talking about Welcome Pickups!
What is Welcome Pickups?
Welcome Pickups, an Athens-based travel tech startup that offers a wide range of travel services right from the point of pickup at the airport via an app. Founded by Alex Trimis and Savvas Georgiou in 2015, this startup believes to have witnessed an opportunity to transform local travel services to a more holistic in-destination travel experience.
Welcome Pickups aims to handle your accommodation and travel requirements including transfers, things to do in a city and all the travel information from the time you arrive at the destination and until you depart from there.
Secures €3.3M Series A funding
In a recent development, this Greek travel tech startup has raised €3.3 million Series A funding from VentureFriends, Market One Capital, Jabbar, Openfund and Howzat. Instashop founder John Tsioris and Spotahome founder Alejandro Artacho were also a part of the funding round.
The Greek startup will use the new funding to strengthen its core team, expand its product portfolio and grow its destination network. It will also add more travel industry partners including airlines cruise lines and enhance customer experience with its app.
Aims to surpass 1 million travellers
In 2018, the travel tech startup offered memorable travel experience to over 400,000 travellers across 32 destinations. This year, the firm aims to serve over 1 million travellers. It touts to have employed a team of 60 members in Barcelona and Athens.
How does it work?
Welcome Pickups aims to make its users feel every new city they travel to just like their home. The travel tech startup makes it possible by offering transfer services, pre-ordered tickets to select destinations, essential products and tips and customised experiences led by locals in the destination.
Assures personal travel experience
The startup provides airport pickup, travel essentials such as SIM cards, hotspots, etc., a curated list of activities to try out at the destination and a 24/7 email and call support centre to answer all your queries and resolve the issues that you face during your stay.
Welcome for Hotels & BnB Hosts
Welcome Pickups works via both website and app (supporting Android and iOS platforms). It offers automated arrival instructions with Welcome for BnB hosts. It also enhances the experiences of guests with Welcome for Hotels.
Safeguarded travel experience
The team believes that safeguarding the travel experience of users at the destination will increase the return bookings and recommendations, which will, in turn, increase their business and user base. Take a look at the video below to know more about this cool app startup!
Where all it works?
In just 2 years, Welcome has expanded in to more than 7 countries including most of the European countries, and Hong Kong.
Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more updates in the tech startup world.
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