The Travel Start-Up: Around the World Tours

This month in our series The Travel Start-Up, we meet Matteo Pennacchi, organizer of Travel Massive in Rome, Italy and founder of Around the World Tours, the first operator for RTW travel. Matteo took some time out to chat with us about this growing style of travel and travellers.

1. Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Italy, studied in the USA and France, and relocated to South Africa. I’ve travelled extensively throughout the five continents, visiting around 50 countries and moving home 22 times!

2. Why did you create this start up?

I personally did 3 round-the-world (RTW) trips. My first ever RTW trip I had no money and no luggage which resulted in a published book and a Guinness World Record! Most importantly, it taught me that it is possible to travel the world cheaply. I started this company because I saw a need to make RTW travel easier and more economical for other people.

3. Who is your start-up for?

Students on a gap year, honeymooners, travellers over 50+, and people who want to explore themed tours around the globe.

4. How do you help travellers?

We put travellers in contact with the best solution for their RTW ticket and land services.

5. What makes your start-up different from other start-ups?
          

Firstly, we are not-for-profit. There is also no operator specializing in RTW tours like we do.  We are also the first website entirely dedicated to round the world tours.

6. What benefits have you seen from being a part of Travel Massive meet-ups?

I use to attend traditional travel trade fairs, which were a bit depressing and not valuable to me. At Travel Massive I discovered a new vitality and creativity for the future of the travel industry. 

7. Where do you see the online travel industry in 5 years?


I think travel businesses will have access to more measurable travel data particularly for operators allowing them to create more customized travel options. I think there is also a growing trend toward online travel consultants for the general travel consumer.
 

8. Do you have any tips for new entrepreneurs who want to create a successful start-up?

Search for something different. Find a unique need and offer a simple solution.

9. If you could book a ticket tomorrow, where would you go?

South Africa, on the Garden Route