A Decade in Travel and Our New Brand Identity
Over the past ten years, we’ve embarked on a remarkable journey in the travel sector. And yes, we’ve 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: “Like GoodFellas, but set in outer space” [Ok, that one wasn’t us, though we did say, “As 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 our Hotala brand taking off in the Hotels and Resorts market, and our soon-to-launch AirTrip for Flights and Varoom 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 there’s no dearth of AI tools in the market, our distinctiveness lies in harnessing these tools to enhance travel experiences. And when they don’t exist, we build them. We’re 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, we’ve realized a simple truth – better efficiency translates to better travel.
As we embrace this new chapter, it’s 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 TravelAI’s identity is our emblematic prism, rendered in a pristine shade of white. This prism isn’t merely a design element; it’s a powerful metaphor epitomizing our core philosophy: “One Vision, Infinite Possibilities.” Like a prism refracting a singular beam of light into a spectrum of colours, TravelAI amalgamates multiple partners’ 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.
Occasionally, our logo’s colours transition into shades of greens and blues. These hues not only resonate with the UpNext shade of green but also encapsulate Earth’s colours – 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.
Designing the TravelAI Website: A Tapestry of Monochrome and Colour
Designing the TravelAI website presented a unique challenge. How could we represent our brand’s 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.
Our brands, with their diverse hues – the tranquil greens and blues of RentByOwner, the vibrant purples of Hotala, the radiant yellows of VacationCottages, and the earthy greens of Cabinns (and many more) – 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.
Looking Forward: Our Optimism for the Future
Our rebranding is more than a fresh coat of paint. It’s 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.
With this new identity, we’re not just looking to the future; we’re 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.
The future is bright, and we’re excited to navigate this journey with all of you.
