Global DMC Discova has launched at ITB Berlin 2024 a collection of owned and operated experiences in all the destinations it operates in.
Currently available are more than 50 immersive tour options, where each uses Discova’s own fleet of vehicles, bicycles, and speedboats. Local communities play a big role, both during the tours and in the building of these tours; 95 per cent of Discova’s product team are locals.
For instance, in Bali, Discova collaborates closely with the Manggis community, and provides a bicycle touring option from rice terraces to a secluded beach for a picnic lunch. Other community-based tours include immersions in farming communities in Central Vietnam, and treading sustainably in Costa Rica’s nature with local experts.
When asked what led to Discova launching its own experiences, marketing director, Niels Steeman, told TTG Asia that it was a result of client feedback, emerging trends in the industry, and gaps in the DMC sector.
He added: “As many experiences tend to be contracted via third parties, it can be challenging to operate with our own quality standards in place. Additionally, based on the feedback from our partners, being able to fully operate experiences with a white-label opportunity in place assures brand awareness, giving these tours added value.”
As the DMC works with a range of clients, Steeman also noted that each had their own desires for product immersions suited to their needs. By operating its own experiences, Discova will offer planners an “extra layer of flexibility” during planning, more competitive prices, and access to a dedicated customer service department for 24/7 support.
Steeman added that this portfolio of Discova-managed experiences will be “growing consistently”, and that the company will be investing further into transportation to ensure operational consistency.
