Travel entrepreneur Ryan Howsam has taken a stake in B2B tours and activities platform Holibob.
Howsam, the founder of travel insurer Staysure, is taking a minority shareholding in Holibob, which specialises in aggregating global travel tours and experiences for the travel industry, with clients including Secret Escapes.
Holibob, which has offices in Edinburgh and London, currently provides more than 75,000 tours, activities, attractions and experiences around the world and plans to use Howsam’s investment to further develop its technology and expand its platform.
“Tours is one of the fastest growing segments in travel, but it’s very fragmented and there’s no central global distribution system,” said Howsam.
“Holibob will change that fast and as a part of the deal I have found a way to add value to my own customers – offering tours and excursions and with preferential rates.
Craig Everett, Holibob’s founder and chief executive, added: “Ryan brings with him far more than just access to capital, and we are looking forward to working with him closely as we embark on our next step in our exciting journey.”
Howsam, who is both an investor and mentor, is currently accepting applications for investment through his own website.