In 2005, what started as a backpacking-inspired business idea has evolved into the Bamba Experience Group—a travel enterprise that encompasses a variety of niche brands catering to adventure travel, destination management, local experiences, bespoke vacations, and women-centric group journeys. Entrepreneur Paul Sarfati, along with co-founder Arturo Martinez, launched Bamba Experience after Sarfati developed the concept during his entrepreneurship studies at Babson College. His extensive backpacking adventures, including a year-long global trip at 18, significantly influenced the company’s initial focus on independent and experiential travel.
The company, originally known as Bamba Travel, aimed at travelers desiring independent, adventure-driven, and experience-focused trips. Instead of stretching a single brand into multiple segments, Bamba strategically developed distinct businesses that target specific niches within the travel industry. By 2008, the group ventured into destination management with operations set up in Mexico and Peru, forming Be DMC, which includes Be Mexico and Be Peru. These entities collaborate with tour operators and agencies, providing local expertise in these regions.
Further diversification occurred in 2013 with the introduction of Urban Day Trips, a brand dedicated to shorter, locally immersive travel experiences. The year 2020 marked another pivotal shift with the creation of Baboo Travel. This venture was conceived to fill a market gap for travelers seeking custom trips without the hassle of dealing with multiple planning services. Baboo Travel aims to link travelers with Local Experts while leveraging technology to streamline personalized travel planning.
In 2026, the group expanded its portfolio with Viajando Juntas, a brand offering curated small-group journeys tailored for women, fostering intimate, community-oriented travel experiences. The current portfolio of the Bamba Experience Group includes Bamba Travel, Be DMC (encompassing Be Mexico and Be Peru), Urban Day Trips, Baboo Travel, and Viajando Juntas, each serving unique segments of the tourism market. Sarfati highlights the necessity of adapting to evolving traveler expectations, noting the constant changes in travel, technology, and customer preferences.
Technology now plays an integral role across Bamba’s various brands, with AI-driven systems being developed to enhance customer interactions, itinerary planning, and bookings, among other areas. Sarfati emphasizes that technology is meant to augment, not replace, human interaction in travel. As travelers increasingly demand digital convenience alongside expert advice for intricate itineraries and personal service, Bamba’s strategy reflects these shifts. Specialization remains central to their business model, with individual brands addressing specific traveler needs while shared technological and operational resources support the entire group. The company is aligning its offerings with current tourism trends such as experiential travel, personalized itineraries, and community-based group travel.
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