Exciting times ahead! š As we mark a new chapter in our journey, we are proud to unveil our new identity: TravelAI (www.TravelAI.com), an UpNext Company. Thanks Left and LeftTravel for all the memories!
š A Look Back: Since we first started in Travel, way back in 2013, our mission has been clear: harness the power of data and technology to revolutionize travel. Fast forward to today, and our commitment remains stronger than ever.
š¤ Why TravelAI?: In an era where AI is not just a buzzword but a game-changer, weāre positioning ourselves at the forefront. We’re not just about AI; we’re about applied AI. Our goal? To craft enhanced, personal, and memorable travel experiences for everyone. We call this micro-segmentation and it drives everything that we do.
š Future-Forward: This rebrand isnāt just a name change, but a testament to our vision, our growth, and the innovative direction we’re headed in. Our new tagline is “One Vision, Infinite Possibilities”. The future is bright, and weāre thrilled to have you join us on this journey.
To our partners, collaborators, and supporters – a huge THANK YOU š.
When Chris Jensen, Rakib Islam, and Simon G. Jones, and I bought the assets of Left back in early 2021, you were there for us. The journey post COVID, was not easy. However, your trust and collaboration have been instrumental. Here’s to breaking new ground and shaping the future of travel together!
š Let’s redefine travel. Let’s explore the infinite possibilities together.
One Vision, Infinite Possibilities
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The following post was first published on the TravelAI.com website on September 14, 2023
A Decade in Travel and Our New Brand Identity
Over the past ten years, weāve embarked on a remarkable journey in the travel sector. And yes, weāve had our ups and downs [and lefts and rights] to be sure, but directionally we were always true and knew where we were headed. Since we began in 2013, we always had an unwavering quest to craft a more personalized and efficient platform that connects travel buyers and travel sellers.
Until recently, we never knew how to express what it is that we did. We had said that we were a data company masquerading as a travel company. We had said that we were a series of meta-travel brands each addressing a certain persona in a world of finite digital shelf space. We had used the buddy picture analogy that makes great movies: āLikeĀ GoodFellas, but set in outer spaceā [Ok, that one wasnāt us, though we did say, āAs KAYAK was to Flights, and Trivago was to Hotels, we are addressing the ever-growing short-term rental market]. But we knew we were more than just short-term rentals, especially with ourĀ HotalaĀ brand taking off in the Hotels and Resorts market, and our soon-to-launchĀ AirTripĀ for Flights andĀ VaroomĀ for Activities. So what are we, and what are we building?
At our core, we used data to create a more efficient market. We knew that we were operationally efficient in all that we did, and we were able to drive significant traveler demand to our network of partners. However, over the past year, our identity has become clear: we are an applied AI company.
What is Applied AI? It is the application of tools and technologies to make an industry (and humanity) more efficient. While thereās no dearth of AI tools in the market, our distinctiveness lies in harnessing these tools to enhance travel experiences. And when they donāt exist, we build them. Weāre not just about conceptual AI; we are about applying these groundbreaking technologies to craft better, more memorable travel experiences and more efficient delivery. Through optimizing efficiencies, weāve realized a simple truth ā better efficiency translates to better travel.
As we embrace this new chapter, itās imperative to reflect on our vision and values, which have always been the bedrock of our endeavors, guiding us to innovate and redefine travel.
About the Logo: The Prism
At the heart of TravelAIās identity is our emblematic prism, rendered in a pristine shade of white. This prism isnāt merely a design element; itās a powerful metaphor epitomizing our core philosophy:Ā āOne Vision, Infinite Possibilities.āĀ Like a prism refracting a singular beam of light into a spectrum of colours, TravelAI amalgamates multiple partnersā feeds into a unified narrative. From this singularity, we diverge, crafting bespoke travel experiences for each traveler and giving life to a myriad of vibrant brands.Ā
Occasionally, our logoās colours transition into shades of greens and blues. These hues not only resonate with theĀ UpNextĀ shade of green but also encapsulate Earthās colours ā the land, the skies, and the oceans. These colours are emblematic of the myriad experiences our world offers and stand as a testament to our deep-rooted connection to our planet and the limitless travel opportunities it presents.Ā
Designing the TravelAI Website: A Tapestry of Monochrome and ColourĀ
Designing the TravelAI website presented a unique challenge. How could we represent our brandās core identity while also showcasing the diverse palette of our individual brands? We considered two primary design aesthetics: an all-black theme with our white logo and an all-white backdrop contrasted by our black logo. Both had their merits, but we needed a canvas that allowed our colourful brands to shine.Ā
Our brands, with their diverse hues ā the tranquil greens and blues ofĀ RentByOwner, the vibrant purples ofĀ Hotala, the radiant yellows ofĀ VacationCottages, and the earthy greens ofĀ CabinnsĀ (and many more) ā these brands demanded a stage. The monochromatic foundation of the site provided just that. It became a canvas for our brands, letting each one take the spotlight and tell its unique story.Ā
Looking Forward: Our Optimism for the FutureĀ
Our rebranding is more than a fresh coat of paint. Itās a promise, a statement of intent. As TravelAI ventures into the future, our new brand identity is a beacon that illuminates our path. It symbolizes our dedication to innovation, our commitment to delivering unique travel experiences, and our aspiration to continually set industry benchmarks. We aim to provide insight and understanding of how the applied use of AI technologies to create better travel experiences.Ā
With this new identity, weāre not just looking to the future; weāre shaping it. As the world of travel continues to evolve, so will TravelAI, always striving, always innovating, and always ensuring that every journey embarked upon through our platform is as unique as the traveler undertaking it.Ā Ā
The future is bright, and weāre excited to navigate this journey with all of you.Ā