Turnup.Travel is redefining traditional corporate travel by offering flexible packages that seamlessly combine business and leisure, catering to a discerning clientele.
Muthuri Kinyamu is the innovative mind behind the lifestyle brand, Turnup.Travel, the company changing how businesses connect with new tourism markets.
Turnup.Travel combines tour operating, holiday concierge services, and tourism content creation into one convenient package.
As a leading African travel brand, it specializes in themed experiences, storytelling, and social impact, allowing clients to book flights, hotels, inclusive transport, and unique tour packages.
The CEO, Muthuri Kinyamu attended the University of Nairobi and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing. Later on, he furthered his studies with an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovations Management from the same institution.
Thanks to the marketing and entrepreneurship skills he gained through his education, Mr. Kinyamu has effectively managed to oversee his company’s innovative approach.
“We believe the travel agent of the future will be a content creator and we’ve heavily invested our capabilities on the digital front to offer full-service solutions to individuals, corporations and counties,” he said in a past interview.
Turnup.Travel gets its name from ‘turn up’ which means show up and the Swahili translation for Travel, ‘Tembea’. This, he says, directly communicates to his clientele what his brand offering is about.
To anyone, travel is more than just a word; it is an assertion of freedom that is to come. Turnup.Travel ensures that one can get personalized travel services at great prices.
In Kenya, the company is unmatched and ranks as the best in immersive travel experiences that go beyond standard tourism. They specialize in organizing educational trips, ecosystem tours and field visits that provide knowledgeable business insights into local markets.
“We are not just about travelling, we are about having fun and putting down great experiences with each trip. Among the unique things our package offers is a different experience, even if it’s a location you’ve visited before,” he said.
Their value offering of blending business insights into a tourism package ensures that it is not just about sightseeing but also an enjoyable educational experience.
Turnup.Travel’s combination has allowed many tourists to understand potentially new Kenyan startup markets whilst also experiencing local culture.
“The tourism industry could use a bit of agility that you often find in the technology industry,” Mr Kinyamu asserted.
Prior to becoming Turnup.Travel co-founder, Muthuri’s wealth of experience grew in strategic communications and ecosystem through roles at organizations such as GrowthAfrica, Metta, Nest Group Africa Hub and GFA consulting.
These roles have shaped his strong network and deepened his knowledge of the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa.
Turnup.Travel holds a high reputation in Eastern & Southern Africa for delivering a mix of travel and event management services. Under his helm, Turnup.Travel has managed and organized several projects for international delegates and some high-profile events.
On several occasions, the impact-driven CEO has referred to Kenya as the Silicon Savannah, which describes Kenya’s potential to grow as a hub for tech and innovation that parallels the United States’ Silicon Valley.
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Mr Kinyamu strongly opines that the Coronavirus pandemic sped up digital transformation, leading to new partnerships both locally and internationally and a broader range of tourist offerings in Kenya.
Turnup.Travel stepped in to meet the growing demand for documenting and sharing Kenya’s many unbranded tourism experiences.
As the CEO puts it himself, the business landscape is ever-changing and ‘success is reserved for those who stay ahead of the curve’.
He envisions a future where the local tourism industry players can offer strategic travel which will drive business success and enhance connections.
Essentially, in this modern era, this means leveraging technology to grow, learning how to guide the business through different challenges and building strong connections whilst focusing on customer value proposition.
“In tourism, as in any other industry, the key to long-term success is creating meaningful and memorable experiences that resonate with your audience. Keep pushing boundaries, embrace change, and never lose sight of the value you bring to your clients.”
