Viavii
 | |
| Company type | Marketplace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Rola Fayyad, Ibrahim Abu Rajab, Ramzi Madanat |
| Headquarters | Jordan |
Number of employees | 40 |
| Website | viavii |
Viavii is an online community marketplace that allows people to explore, book and host in-person and online experiences from all around the world.[1] The experiential travel platform offers experiences and itineraries that are adjustable on-the-move, while connecting users with residents of their destination at any time.[2] Based in Amman, Jordan, Viavii also has offices in Qatar.[3]
Viavii is a Google start-up that uses technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning for a personalised user experience.[4][5][6] The platform can be accessed via website and will soon be available as an application for android and IOS.[7] Users can set up an account to either host or book experiences.[8][9] Viavii only receives commission from each experience sold as it does not own any of the experiences listed on the website.
History
[edit]The company was founded in 2016 by Rola Fayyad under the name “friendture", with the initial idea of creating a mobile application for group travellers and friends to plan and organise their trips together.[10] Due to the change in consumer behaviour, Viavii was launched in January 2019, to enable travellers to explore new places and cultures while connecting with locals and likeminded people.[11]
As part of their corporate social responsibility and social impact, they connect local communities who often lack an online presence with travellers who are looking for immersive local-led activities.[12] In 2019, they started a social project called ViaVii Locals that aims to encourage and support entrepreneurs (particularly women and youth) to build sustainable tourism businesses in rural communities.[13] By 2020, the company had obtained an “undisclosed amount” of seed money, and it has been shared that Tech Venture Fund by QSTP is a lead investor.[14]
ViaVii has been cited as an “innovative example of the role and impact of the sharing economy era on authentic sustainable tourism” .[15]
Online experiences
[edit]Viavii launched the feature online experiences[16] and entered the market of fully digitised experiences in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online experiences are considered an alternative to travel, as they entertain people quarantining at home, while also posing an opportunity for service providers to still make money despite travel restrictions.[17]
2022 FIFA World Cup
[edit]Viavii was one of the ten winners of challenge 22, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s flagship innovation programme.[18] The competition provides an opportunity for participants in the Arab region to display their innovative start-ups, and target the football fans and visitors who will be attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.[19]
Viavii is expected to provide its services to the fans during the 2022 world cup. An AI-based itinerary planner powered by Viavii is scheduled to be integrated into Qatar’s most prominent websites to help newcomers and residents navigate exploring Qatar.[20] As they highlight the region’s culture, their focus will also be contributing to a digitised and more innovative future for tourism.[21] In recognition of its role in the digitization of the experiences economy in Qatar, Viavii was https://www.mcit.gov.qa/sites/default/files/fifa_world_cup_qatar_2022tm_-_mcit_connected_tournament_-_a_digital_legacy_english-1.pdf?TSPD_101_R0=0893829855ab2000bd4fd4d5224b12ba474f76ebac1ff8a61b603bbf9d0a748dcc8a847ad789432e08a96f0f9a1430008a716a6d0d2e199c2a8a947035e6be1c66a6b0163c9c22e30a547576c3b7e5c29866fbce1b0a456499345fee2b3319a9, Qatar. This commendation was particularly for the company's partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Locations
[edit]Viavii operates in the following locations worldwide:[22]
Africa
Asia
- India: Agra, Mumbai, New Delhi
- Indonesia: Bali
- Jordan: Ajloun, Amman, Aqaba, Al-Salt, Al-Karak, Balqa, Beidha, Bussiara, Humaima, Irbid, Jerash, Northern Valley, Pella, Petra, Shobak, Tafilah, Umm Qais, Wadi Araba, Wadi Rum
- Lebanon: Beirut
- Oman: Muscat, Salalah
- Qatar: Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Al-Shahaniya, Doha, Mesaieed
- Saudi Arabia: Abha, An Nafud, Alula, Hail city, Jizan, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, Neom, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, Umluj, Wadi Al-Dawasir, White Volcano
- Thailand: Krabi, Pattaya, Phuket
- Turkey: Ankara, Antalya, Cappadocia, Istanbul, İzmir, Kuşadası, Pamukkale
- United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah
Europe
- France: Paris
- Greece: Athens, Crete, Santorini, Thessaloniki
- Italy: Rome
- Portugal: Lisbon
- Spain: Barcelona, Seville
- United Kingdom: London
North America
References
[edit]- ^ Julian Villanueva (August 26, 2020). "The Nascent Market For Live Online Experiences". Forbes. Forbes.
- ^ "QF-funded start-up to offer personalised itineraries for FIFA World Cup 2022 visitors". Qatar Foundation. May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
- ^ "About Us". Viavii. Viavii. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- ^ "Google for Startups Accelerator Middle East and North Africa". Google. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
- ^ QT-Online (March 17, 2021). "Challenge 22 gave us the drive to reach our full potential: ViaVii CEO Rola Fayyad". Qatar Tribune. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ^ "UNWTO Top 100 Tourism Startups and Innovators" (PDF). UNWTO World Tourism Organization. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
- ^ "QF-Funded Start-Up to Offer Personalized Itineraries for FIFA World Cup 2022 Visitors". Qatar Science and Technology Park. May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
- ^ "QF-Funded Start-Up to Offer Personalized Itineraries for FIFA World Cup 2022 Visitors". Qatar Science and Technology Park. May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
- ^ Nayrouz Talaat (April 5, 2021). "Personalising travel experiences". The Egyptian Gazette. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
- ^ "10 Jordanian startups keeping the Kingdom on point". albawaba. May 30, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ "QF-Funded Start-Up to Offer Personalized Itineraries for FIFA World Cup 2022 Visitors". Qatar Science and Technology Park. May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
- ^ "Coping in the age of corona: How the Netherlands and Jordanian partners adapted to the crisis. A few examples". Netherlands and you. June 16, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ "First Sustainability Progress Report" (PDF). FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ Sean O'Neill (May 7, 2021). "Sherpa Raises $8.5 Million for Simpler Visas: Travel Startup Funding This Week". Skift. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
- ^ "Viavii.com presents travel alternative amidst global pandemic, Unique Online Experiences Globally". MENAFN. March 14, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
- ^ "Online Experiences". Viavii.
- ^ Julian Villanueva (August 26, 2020). "The Nascent Market For Live Online Experiences". Forbes. Forbes.
- ^ "Challenge 22". Qatar2022.qa. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ "Challenge 22". Qatar2022.qa. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
- ^ "QF-Funded Start-Up to Offer Personalized Itineraries for FIFA World Cup 2022 Visitors". Qatar Science and Technology Park. May 5, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
- ^ QT-Online (March 17, 2021). "Challenge 22 gave us the drive to reach our full potential: ViaVii CEO Rola Fayyad". Qatar Tribune. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ^ "Locations". Viavii. Retrieved 25 July 2021.