Exoticca
| Private | |
| ISIN | 🆔 |
| Industry | Online travel agency, Tour operator |
| Founded 📆 | 2013 |
| Founder 👔 | Jesús Rodríguez |
| Headquarters 🏙️ | , Barcelona , Spain |
Area served 🗺️ | Worldwide |
Key people | Pere Vallès (CEO), Jesús Rodríguez (President) |
| Products 📟 | Multi-day travel packages |
| Members | |
Number of employees | |
| 🌐 Website | exoticca.com |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | |
Exoticca is an international online travel agency and tour operator that offers multi-day guided travel packages to destinations around the world. Founded in 2013 in Barcelona, Spain, the company allows customers to book all-inclusive trips that typically include international flights, hotels, transportation, and activities, through a fully digital platform. Exoticca operates in several markets across Europe and North America, with the majority of its customers coming from the United States and Canada.
History
Exoticca was founded in 2013 by Jesús Rodríguez, who aimed to democratize long-haul travel by making exotic destinations more accessible through online technology. Initially focused on the Spanish market, the company expanded into France, the United Kingdom, and Germany by 2018. In the same year, Pere Vallès, a former CEO of the e-voting firm Scytl, was appointed CEO to lead the company’s international growth and fundraising efforts.[1]
Following its entry into the U.S. and Canadian markets in 2018–2019, Exoticca grew rapidly. In 2018, it raised €3.5 million in Series A funding led by K Fund.[2] Sales climbed from €10.5 million in 2017 to approximately €48 million by 2019.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Exoticca introduced flexible booking policies and negotiated discounted, locked-in rates with suppliers. Despite a steep drop in bookings in early 2020, U.S. sales grew from €12 million in 2019 to €18 million in 2020. In 2021, Exoticca closed a €25 million Series C round led by 14W and Mangrove Capital Partners, reporting sales that surpassed pre-pandemic levels.[1]
The company continued to attract investment, raising an additional €20 million in 2022[3] and €60 million in a Series D round in 2024, led by Quadrille Capital.[4] In early 2025, it secured €25 million in debt financing from BBVA’s venture arm to support further technology development and market expansion.
Business model
Exoticca operates as a digital-first tour operator, offering curated travel packages that bundle flights, accommodation, guided tours, and transfers. Customers book packages directly through the company’s website, which displays real-time availability and pricing through proprietary technology.
The company partners directly with airlines, hotels, and local operators, enabling it to offer competitive pricing and maintain control over the travel experience. Tours are designed by in-house experts and typically feature small groups, a balance of structured and free time, and support from a 24/7 helpline during travel.
Exoticca distinguishes itself from traditional travel agencies by integrating all aspects of trip planning into a single platform and emphasizing affordability without sacrificing service standards.[5]
Operations
As of 2024, Exoticca offers packages to over 70 countries across Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Its largest markets include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain. North America accounts for more than 70% of total sales.[6]
The company is headquartered in Barcelona and maintains regional offices including one in Miami for U.S. operations. It also works with travel advisors and offers commissions on bookings, particularly in North America where it has developed dedicated trade partnerships.
In 2024, Exoticca became a member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), indicating its compliance with industry standards and financial protections.[7] That same year, Exoticca was also recognized as an accredited business by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in the United States.[8]
Reception
Exoticca has been recognized for its innovative model and affordability. It has been featured in technology and travel publications such as TechCrunch, EU-Startups, and Travelweek. Customers have praised its value-for-money approach, citing the inclusion of flights and curated itineraries. The company reports thousands of reviews with an average rating above 4.5 out of 5 on platforms like Trustpilot.[5]
It has received investment from major venture capital firms and was listed among Spain’s fastest-growing tech startups. Advertising campaigns, including the 2023 "Live More" campaign, have contributed to brand recognition in European and North American markets.
In 2024, Exoticca became a member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), indicating its compliance with industry standards and consumer protections. In May 2025, Exoticca was included in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA ranking, which highlights the fastest-growing and most innovative technology companies across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.[9]
While still relatively new in North America, travel agents and customers have gradually grown more familiar with the brand. Trade press coverage in Canada and the U.S. has been largely positive, positioning Exoticca as an innovative entrant in the tour operator market that “sits in a unique place in the touring market”[10] between traditional escorted tours and do-it-yourself travel.
Customer feedback has praised the convenience and value of having flights, accommodations, and tours bundled, though like many travel companies, Exoticca has also faced occasional criticism (typically regarding customer service response times or itinerary changes) in consumer forums. To bolster its service, the company has implemented real-time trip monitoring and a 24-hour support line, and it emphasizes that travelers are “never left alone in a strange land” due to its coordinated ground support.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Tucker, Charlotte (30 July 2021). "Barcelona-based Exoticca, a next-generation tour operator, lands €25.2 million". EU-Startups. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ Lomas, Natasha (4 June 2018). "Online travel agency Exoticca bags $4.1M for market expansion". TechCrunch. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ Paul, Megha (9 September 2022). "Spanish platform Exoticca wraps up €20 million to plan travel in the 'new normal'". Tech.eu. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ Butcher, Mike (23 July 2024). "Spanish startup Exoticca raises a €60M Series D for its tour packages platform". TechCrunch. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Orlando, Kim (5 October 2022). "An Honest Exoticca Travel Review: A Budget-Friendly Adventure". SheBuysTravel. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ Folliott, Kathryn (1 February 2023). "Exoticca brings familiar faces, top destinations and 10%+ commission to the tour op scene". Travelweek. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ "Exoticca Joins USTOA". Travel Market Report. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ↑ "Exoticca Travel US Inc". Better Business Bureau. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ↑ "EMEA Technology Fast 500 Winners". Deloitte. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ↑ Folliott, Kathryn. "Exoticca brings familiar faces, top destinations and 10%+ commission to the tour op scene". Travelweek.
External links
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