Augustine Tours
About the Company
Augustine Tours is a travel company specializing in wildlife safaris and cultural tours across East Africa. Founded by Augustin Ndikuriyo, the company aims to provide tailor-made and bespoke safari packages. These packages are designed not only to offer an enriching experience for tourists but also to benefit the local communities involved. Augustine Tours goes beyond traditional safaris by seeking to create deeper, more meaningful connections between travelers and the regions they visit, contributing to a self-sustaining tourism model.
The company has a strong focus on experiential tourism, which emphasizes education and personal growth for travelers. This approach helps distinguish Augustine Tours from other tour operators in the region. The business has grown steadily, thanks to the trust and support of its customers who value this transformative style of tourism. Augustin's dedication to offering unique and engaging travel experiences has been a key factor in the company's success.
Idea Behind Company
Before founding Augustine Tours, Augustin worked as a hotel front office manager in Bujumbura, Burundi. In 2009, a client asked him about things to do in Burundi, and he realized there were no local tour operators available. This situation sparked his frustration and motivated him to start his own tour company. The idea for Augustine Tours was born from the desire to fill this gap in the tourism industry and provide comprehensive travel services in Burundi and beyond.
The name Augustine Tours was inspired by Saint Augustine’s quote, "The world is a book and those who don't travel only read one page." This quote resonated with Augustin, as it aligned with his vision of encouraging more people to explore and understand different parts of the world. With his savings of $1500 and limited resources, Augustin began his entrepreneurial journey, determined to make a positive impact on tourism in Burundi and East Africa.
Creating the Company
Starting Augustine Tours was a challenging endeavor for Augustin. He had no prior experience in digital marketing or substantial capital to invest in the business. He relied on his customer service skills from his hotel management job and dedicated himself to learning about online marketing, web development, and tour planning. Initially, he worked from coffee shops and hotel lobbies, using these spaces to build business connections and develop his company.
The first tour packages offered by Augustine Tours were simple, including transportation, accommodations, and entrance fees. Augustin negotiated deals with hotels and car rental companies to provide affordable packages. His early efforts involved extensive research and learning about different tourist sites to create appealing itineraries. Despite the initial lack of resources and experience, Augustin's determination and hard work laid the foundation for Augustine Tours.
Launching the Business
Augustin’s first major success came three months after starting his business when he secured a deal with 18 American seniors for a three-day tour in Burundi. Despite his initial website’s modest appearance, it became a crucial sales channel for the company. The success of this deal provided a much-needed boost and validated his business model. Augustine Tours continued to grow, securing contracts with well-established regional and international tour operators.
The rebranding of the company to Augustine Tours in 2012 was a strategic move to compete in the regional tourism industry. The new name and branding helped position the company as a strong player in East Africa. Augustin emphasized the importance of networking and personal development, attending numerous meetups and trade fairs to grow his business connections and attract more clients. This networking strategy played a significant role in the company’s early growth and success.
Earnings
Augustine Tours has experienced significant growth and profitability since its inception. The company survived the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and has seen a resurgence in tourism as travel restrictions eased. Paid campaigns have yielded impressive results, contributing to a 45% increase in sales in 2022. The company’s marketing strategy includes Google Ads, PR, and organic social media content to attract and retain customers.
Augustin plans to expand his business ventures by starting a digital marketing consultancy firm in 2024. His goal is to help other brands unlock their potential through digital transformation. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, personal development, and networking for aspiring entrepreneurs. Augustin’s journey with Augustine Tours demonstrates the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and adapting to market changes to achieve business success.
