As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on a year that was both challenging and rewarding. This year marked not only our 30th anniversary but also our journey out from the shadows of the pandemic and towards a brighter, more dynamic future. It was a year of significant milestones and accomplishments, of which we are immensely proud.
The start of 2023 was a time of adaptation and resilience as we settled into the post-COVID era. We navigated the changing landscape of travel with a renewed sense of purpose, focusing even more on sustainability, flexibility and innovative travel solutions. Our commitment to rebuilding better has not only enhanced our operations but also deepened our connection with our communities and partners.
Thanks to the support of our partners and our team, 2023 was a landmark year for us in many ways. We achieved several key milestones, from expanding our portfolio of destinations to launching new technologies and becoming a certified B Corporation.
As we step into 2024, we do so with optimism and gratitude. The lessons learned and successes achieved in 2023 have laid a solid foundation for the future. We look forward to continuing our journey, exploring new horizons and delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our guests.
Read on to learn more about EXO’s 2023 milestones, and take a moment to enjoy a few of our favourite memories from the past year.
‘Becoming a Certified B Corporation reflects the values we live and our dedication to being a purpose-led company.’
EXO is a Certified B Corporation
In late 2023, EXO officially became a Certified B Corporation, joining a growing global movement of companies using business as a force for good. Our commitment to sustainability found new meaning in our journey to B Corp Certification. This Certification resonates on a level that is deeply felt among the EXO family.
Alexandra Michat, Chief Purpose Officer at EXO, explains, ‘Becoming a Certified B Corporation reflects the values we live and our dedication to being a purpose-led company. The path to certification required the collective effort of every single employee, from our leadership team to our newest members.’
With the framework of B Corp in place, we have a clear roadmap for that journey as we strive to become an even more positive influence in our destinations, the environment and all of our stakeholders.
‘Korea is an incredible destination with friendly people, rich history and a mix of nature and modernity. We are excited to share the real Korea with our guests’
The launch of EXO Korea
2023 marked the opening of our eleventh destination: Korea. Leveraging three decades as a pioneering DMC, EXO is excited to bring our renowned innovative spirit to Korea as we design immersive, authentic experiences that showcase the true soul of the country.
While K-pop and futuristic fashion may come to mind when you think of Korea, EXO knows there is much more to be discovered. We recognize the limitless potential of this dynamic nation and are looking forward to sharing the vibrant wonders found within its borders.
‘Korea is an incredible destination with friendly people, rich history and a mix of nature and modernity. Most travellers only scratch the surface but our engaging experiences uncover the depth of culture and uniqueness on offer. We’re excited to share the real Korea with our guests,’ explains Ruben Derksen, EXO Director of Product.
‘We are really thinking about how to use digital to add value to our relationship with our partners. EXO Create is a huge step on this path.’
EXO Create is launched
EXO’s commitment to digital transformation is ongoing, with an in-house digital team working tirelessly to develop platforms and tools that accelerate the workflow of our teams and our partners. In 2023 we proudly launched our flagship software, EXO Create.
This proprietary, user-friendly platform allows partners to choose from a selection of pre-made templates or to build a new itinerary from scratch. Simple drag and drop tools, optimised search features and a powerful engine, create an intuitive, efficient itinerary design process.
EXO Travel Chief Digital Officer, Russell Lin, explains, ‘We are really thinking about how to use digital to add value to our relationship with our partners. We ask ourselves how we can create a richer end-to-end experience with EXO? EXO Create is a huge step on this path.’
EXO Travel reached our 30th year anniversary, with celebrations throughout our destinations.
EXO turns 30
EXO passed a big milestone in 2023, reaching our thirty year anniversary. Since our founding in 1993, we have always strived to share and protect the magic of our destinations.
As we celebrated three decades of EXO, it is clear that this vision has allowed us to weather great storms and ride waves of success over the years.
The EXO family marked the occasion with celebrations throughout our destinations, with the main event taking place in Vietnam.
We also used this anniversary to redouble our commitment to redefine boundaries through travel, to use it as a force for good in the world and to share the magic of our destinations.
‘Within our company, every role is a role in people development, and every action is an opportunity to foster sustainability’
Rebuilding with purpose
As travel restrictions began to lift in late 2022, EXO refocused on building back better in line with our vision of being a global travel company that has a positive impact on everyone connected with EXO Travel.
To support these efforts, we launched the Purpose Team in 2023. This dedicated group is tasked with aligning the company’s actions and its workforce with our core vision.
‘Within our company, every role is a role in people development, and every action is an opportunity to foster sustainability,’ Alexandra Michat, Chief Purpose Officer, explains.
Under the guidance of the Purpose Team, EXO has built back better and proudly boasts a global team of 760 employees. . Every day, every member of the EXO Family works with passion and purpose, an achievement that we are extremely proud of.
‘Through the organisation of these awards, we are aiming to enhance collaboration among responsible tourism stakeholders in our destinations and to ensure that people and nature will continue to be preserved, protected and cared for,’
EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards
In September 2023, we arranged the first annual EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards.
The ceremony brought together over 20 nominees from non-profit organisations and private tourism businesses in Asia, to compete for awards valued at over $40,000 USD. A panel of international sustainable tourism evaluated each nominee and announced winners in five categories, along with a special ‘People’s Choice Award’ based on public voting- more than 3500 votes were received.
‘Through the organisation of these awards, we are aiming to enhance collaboration among responsible tourism stakeholders in our destinations and to ensure that people and nature will continue to be preserved, protected and cared for,’ Alexandra Michat, EXO’s Chief Purpose Officer, explains.
‘The new design reflects both our heritage and our pioneering spirit. Balancing inspiration with practicality, our goal was to make it easier than ever for our partners to find travel inspiration and work with us.’
New website & Agent Hub
As we marked our 30th year in business, we felt it was a good time to redesign our website. Inspired by our roots yet also distinctly modern, the refreshed design brings our expertise and pioneering spirit to life while making inspiration and information easier to find.
At the same time, we also improved the design and navigation features of Agent Hub, making it easier than ever to access the resources within. This dynamic site contains an ever-growing collection of partner resources, from destination guides to publications, tariffs to itineraries. With it’s refreshed design, the Hub offers more ways for partners to bolster knowledge and help close deals.
EXO Director of Marketing, Alexander Stephan, explains, ‘The new design reflects both our heritage and our pioneering spirit. Balancing inspiration with practicality, our goal was to make it easier than ever for our partners to find travel inspiration and work with us.’
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