Kauri -Travel & Develop
Promotion and Sales of West African Tourism & Local development
Logo - West African Tour Operator -
Kauri is the oldest symbol for money and as shell still useful in many ways
Kauri Travel & Develop is the first Sustainable locally based Tour operator in West Africa. We are operating in and from an office in the Gambia, representing West African countries as a sustainable and cultural tourism destination.
By studying the growing interest of travellers in traditional African experiences and culture, having personal contact with the local indigenous people, the outcome was clear;
We found a great challenge by developing and promoting this market in West Africa.
We are promoting and representing local ground operators, entrepreneurs, organisations and associations of small scale enterprises in tourism in West Africa.
Kauri Travel & Develop designs marketable products out of these co-operations.
Our round tours and trips, excursions and workshops are developed with great care and interest for the West African culture, nature, religions and heritage.
Our objective is to increase the contribution of tourism to the economies of West Africa and to raise the living standards.
Facts
2007
| Two years ago: | |
| Last year: | |
| This year (forecast): | 650,000 |
| Year 2 (forecast): | 1,200,000 |
| Year 3 (forecast): | 1,800,000 |
| Two years ago: | |
| Last year: | |
| This year (forecast): | +15000 |
| Year 2 (forecast): | +60000 |
| Year 3 (forecast): | +110000 |
| Two years ago: | |
| Last year: | |
| This year (forecast): | 8 |
| Year 2 (forecast): | 10 |
| Year 3 (forecast): | 13 |
How do you expect this to be financed?
| Own Contribution in cash | 5,000 |
| Loans (debt) | 1,500 |
| Shares in your company that you offer to investors (equity) | |
| Other sources | 1,000 |
| Total finance needed (US$) | 7,500 |
The Business
Kauri Travel & Develop is an online Tour Operator and presents itself to the whole wide world by internet. We promote sustainable and responsible tourism in West Africa.
Our products are a variety in Tours and Travels from different countries and regions in West Africa. We promote different programs from 5 tot 21 days or more.
Strong point is that we join hands with neighbouring countries in West Africa. This will bring more programs and tours in between several destinies. Plus we learn from each others experiences in the field.
Customers all over the world will be able to book our programs by internet or by connected Travel agencies in there country, who support sustainable tourism.
The office of Kauri Travel needs enough computers, telephones and internet to be daily connected with our customers and colleagues.
All the requests and arrangements will pass our office. When the offer is accepted by the customer it will be confirmed by Kauri Travel & Develop.
The invoice will be send and paid on our account at the Reliance Financial Services Bank in Brikama.
This service to the customer and to the connected partners will generate profit. Part of this profit will be invested in developing projects.
By selling our tours and travels (including accommodation, drinks and food) we generate income for the whole society. By supplying jobs at the office; at the accommodations; at the touring and guiding companies; in restaurants; in farming and gardening; etcetera.
Our target market and target groups are defined in our marketing plan.
There is a growing market for travelling to Africa. This part of the world is put on the 4th favourite place for Dutch travellers: Families, groups, individuals, private couples, organisations, companies, students...
We also made enquires to find out what people are looking for in Africa: Nature and culture, music and colours, sun and sea. We noticed that more and more travellers want to stay in local places and lodges in stead of the big hotels at the coast. They feel attracted to the way Kauri Travel & Develop supports the small structures. They prefer the fact that their money goes straight to the people in West Africa.
Our potential customers will buy our products and services because we have the best prices and programs. We are selling them a product without making extra costs for the salesmarket in between. They know they book a holiday in Africa that will be of great support to the economy and development of the poor country they visit.
We will reach our customers with our website. Next to that we use brochures and folders that are carefully designed for the Western market.
We will promote our products in Travel Fairs all over the world.
Our competers can not offer what we offer with Kauri Travel & Develop. We are the first who start a responsable and sustainable tour operation office in West-Africa that wants to cover all countries of West-Africa.
We are very clear in our goals and products, by giving a lot of information and explanation about the projects we support with the profit.
Our products can compete with any other tour operator.
We prefer high quality and high standards above mass tourism and maximum profit. Our aim is to promote and sell West-Africa as a real African experience. The value of our programs and projects will bring a lot of satisfaction to our customers.
Our product is unique cause we bring independant entrepreneurs and organisations together who share the same dream about a better future for West-Africa.
The Entrepreneur & Management
I studied Journalism and Public relations. Produced short and long reports for television, most of the time concerning Afrika, culture and religion.
I was 2 years parttime teacher for young refugees from Africa.
In 2002 we got our own travel agency and I learned all the ins and outs of this business. I know how to create tours and travelprograms in African countries for the European market. But most of all I learned to become independant and make money from something i really love to do. Travelling and meeting other people and other cultures!
I have a talent in writing and selling. According to the jobs and studies I did before, it's clear to me that all my experiences come together now and show up well in Kauri Travel & Develop.
Development
Starting an office for promotion and selling the West African culture and heritage to the world, will bring direct and indirect local employment.
Direct to the staff in the office: to start with 6 in year 1 and 8 in year 2.
In year 3 I expect to need 9 full time and 2 part time staff members.
They will all get the change to get the necessary education and courses. There potential will be fully expressed in 10 years time.
Next to that the office needs cleaning and services for maintaining the machinery.
Indirect our colleagues who look after our customers and do the guiding may need more staff in the years to come. They will receive training from the chief guides and if necessary courses at the universities.
During the travel programs customers will eat in good local restaurants. They will have to be ready for them with enough staff and supplies.
The owners of the lodgements will need more staff for cleaning and services in the restaurants. The suppliers of food in the lodges will have to be able to grow and deliver more food and fruits.
With our products we touch the complete society.
We want to give women a fair change and support local initiatives.
In 10 years time Kauri Travel & Develop will be of great meaning to West Africa and owns its success to the people, their culture and the way they promoted there countries themselves.
