Byway, a UK-based startup offering flight-free package tours, has secured £5.04 million in Series A funding. Founded by Cat Jones in 2020, the company has experienced 3x year-on-year growth, selling over 4,200 trips to date. Byway’s success is driven by increasing environmental concerns and the desire to avoid over-tourism in popular destinations.
Key points:
- Byway’s unique selling point is flight-free travel, using trains, buses, and ferries
- The company employs 40 people and plans to expand into new regions
- 60% of bookings are made online using Byway’s AI-powered trip planner, JourneyAI
- The funding will be used to enhance the AI technology and hire more staff
Byway’s success highlights the growing demand for sustainable and off-the-beaten-track travel experiences. As environmental concerns continue to shape consumer behavior, and popular tourist destinations grapple with over-tourism, Byway’s innovative approach to travel planning offers a solution that benefits both travelers and local communities. The company’s focus on AI-driven trip planning and its ability to design resilient, multi-stop journeys positions it well for future growth in the evolving travel industry.
