FOUNDERS: JOAQUIN CONTRERAS MERINO

THE COMPANY

Pandemic Tours Ltd., the parent company of TAP’N’TOUR, was born out of a passion for authentic travel experiences and the realization of a glaring gap in the market. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel was at a standstill and local explorations became the norm, the idea emerged. Recognizing the limitations of conventional tour experiences and the vast untapped potential of local narratives, the vision was to democratize the touring industry. Instead of pre-packaged, broad-stroke tours, why not empower local experts and enthusiasts to share their unique stories, insights, and knowledge? The idea rapidly evolved, and the platform was conceptualized as a digital marketplace—a space where content creators could craft and digitalize niche tours and travellers could discover and purchase them. Each step in TAP’N’TOUR's journey has been driven by a commitment to authenticity, flexibility, and democratization, ensuring that the platform doesn't just offer tours but fosters genuine connections between people and places.

THE PROBLEM

In today's digitized world, travellers seek unique, authentic, and tailored experiences that delve beyond typical tourist attractions. Yet, the market is saturated with generic guided tours that often neglect local nuances and the traveller's individual interests. These traditional tours can be restrictive, failing to provide the flexibility modern explorers desire. Furthermore, local guides and experts struggle to reach a wider audience, their rich, diverse narratives are often overshadowed by mainstream tour companies. Consequently, travellers miss out on truly immersive experiences, while local content creators face barriers in monetizing and sharing their expertise. The end result? A disjointed travel ecosystem that doesn’t cater to the evolving demands of today's travellers nor the aspirations of local experts.

THE SOLUTION

TAP’N’TOUR revolutionizes the travel experience by presenting a digital marketplace that bridges the gap between travellers and local content creators. Our platform empowers anyone to craft and digitalize tailored tours, allowing a myriad of niche topics and tour types to flourish in a single area/city/town. With a rigorous validation process, we ensure the quality and authenticity of each tour, presenting travellers with a Netflix-style browsing experience to select and purchase their next adventure. Not only does this give travellers the flexibility and depth they crave, but it also democratizes the touring industry. Local experts, previously overshadowed, can now monetize their unique narratives and reach a global audience. TAP’N’TOUR's vision goes beyond the immediate; we aim to build a dynamic community, harnessing technology layers to continuously enrich the travel experience.

TOP TIPS

Believe in Your Vision: Entrepreneurship is a journey of highs and lows, but unwavering belief in your vision will guide you through the toughest times. Remember why you started, and never let setbacks diminish your passion.

It's Never Too Late: The perfect time to start is now. Whether you're a fresh graduate or pivoting mid-career, every moment offers an opportunity. Age and experience bring diverse perspectives—embrace them.

Learn Fast and Adapt: In the startup world, speed is crucial. Don't fear failure; instead, use it as a lesson. Fail quickly, learn from it, and pivot if necessary. Adaptability is the entrepreneur's superpower.