Bamba looks beyond Latin America

Bamba looks beyond Latin America
By admin


Mexico-based hop-on hop-off operator Bamba Experience is preparing for major expansion with Australia firmly within its sights.

October will see Bamba, until now focused on Latin America, launch South East Asian and North American programs.

At the same time, a new website and three new brochures featuring Australian dollar pricing will be released locally, founder Paul Sarfati told Travel Today.

The new ventures signal a concerted push into the Australian market. This year to date, it has recorded 500 bookings from Australia accounting for 13% of overall sales. It had 667 bookings from Australia in 2011, 50% of which were through the trade and the remainder made direct with Bamba.

“We are working to develop our ties with the trade,” Sarfati said.

The company has appointed Vanessa Wallace-Kaplan as its Australian marketing manager and hopes to add to existing local relationships with Flight Centre, Student Flights and STA Travel.

Sarfati is also hopeful the new South East Asian product will prove popular with Australians due to the proximity and easy air access, although he is cautious in his expectations.

“South East Asia is already very easy for Australians to travel to,” he said. “So a lot of people just travel their on their own.”

Meanwhile, Bamba is also preparing to launch its first South American overland tours using the truck operations firm which formerly worked with Kumuka. The first itineraries will depart in January to coincide with the Rio carnival.

Sarfati reported more than 100% growth in revenue each year since the firm launched in 2005.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]