Elsewhere is a modern travel company founded in April 2021 by Alexis Bowen and Craig Zapatka. The company connects travelers directly with local experts to design and book tailor-made trips, emphasizing sustainable and ethical tourism practices. By fostering direct relationships between travelers and local businesses, Elsewhere aims to ensure that tourism benefits local communities economically and culturally.
Key Strategic Focus
Elsewhere's strategic focus centers on promoting sustainable and ethical tourism through a direct-to-local model. This approach allows travelers to engage with local experts, ensuring that a significant portion of travel expenditures remains within the destination's economy. The company prioritizes:
- Economic Fairness: Ensuring that 87% of trip expenditures stay within local economies, thereby empowering communities with long-term, locally based income.
- Social Fairness: Favoring women-owned businesses and projects that employ underrepresented members of society.
- Environmental Responsibility: Implementing initiatives such as carbon offsetting, plastic cleanup, and tree planting to mitigate the environmental impact of travel.
Financials and Funding
In February 2022, Elsewhere was acquired by Lonely Planet, a leading travel media company, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aimed to enhance Lonely Planet's digital reach and support local businesses by providing accurate travel information.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Elsewhere leverages a direct-to-local booking platform that connects travelers with local experts to craft personalized travel experiences. This platform emphasizes:
- User Experience: Providing a seamless interface for travelers to design and book trips.
- Sustainability: Incorporating features that promote sustainable travel choices.
- Community Engagement: Facilitating direct communication between travelers and local businesses.
Leadership Team
- Alexis Bowen, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer: With nearly a decade of experience in travel operations and logistics, Alexis successfully led the U.S. expansion of a French travel tech start-up, growing revenue to $10 million in two years. She manages business development, including partnerships, marketing, PR, and client services.
- Craig Zapatka, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer: A travel industry veteran with nearly 10 years as a tour guide for companies like G Adventures and Intrepid. Craig manages the local expert network and is active in the sustainable and responsible travel community.
Competitor Profile
- Market Insights and Dynamics: The travel industry is experiencing a shift towards sustainable and ethical tourism, with travelers increasingly seeking authentic experiences that benefit local communities.
- Competitor Analysis: Key competitors include:
- TourRadar: An online marketplace for multi-day tours, offering a wide range of travel experiences.
- Viator: A platform providing access to thousands of tours and activities worldwide.
- G Adventures: A small-group adventure travel company focusing on sustainable tourism.
- Flash Pack: Specializes in group adventures for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s.
- Culture Trip: Offers curated travel experiences with a focus on local culture and authenticity.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Elsewhere's acquisition by Lonely Planet in 2022 represents a significant strategic collaboration, enhancing its market position and expanding its capabilities in providing accurate and sustainable travel experiences.
Operational Insights
Elsewhere's direct-to-local model differentiates it from traditional travel agencies by ensuring that a substantial portion of travel expenditures benefits local economies. This approach appeals to eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic and impactful journeys.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
With the backing of Lonely Planet, Elsewhere is well-positioned to expand its reach and influence in the sustainable travel sector. Opportunities include:
- Expanding Destination Offerings: Increasing the number of destinations and local experts to provide a broader range of travel experiences.
- Enhancing Technological Capabilities: Investing in platform development to improve user experience and operational efficiency.
- Strengthening Community Engagement: Building deeper relationships with local communities to ensure tourism benefits are maximized.
Contact Information
- Website: elsewhere.io
- Social Media:
- LinkedIn: Elsewhere
- Instagram: @elsewhere.travel
- Facebook: Elsewhere Travel
