Monkey Tours: One step ahead of following traditional tour guiding

Today we have with us a young, innovative entrepreneur who?s doing great work in the tourism industry through his tour company ? monkey tours.

Here are some questions we asked Akila Punchihewa, Founder/CEO of Monkey Tours.

About the Business

Q: What inspired you to start your tour company?

A: The utmost deep love I have towards my country along with its unique landscapes, culture and history constantly kept pushing me to start my tour company. I wanted to showcase the hidden gems and our authentic local encounters which used to go unnoticed. Also, being passionate about hospitality and having the desire to create memorable moments for travelers fueled my vision further. Having a strong sentiment to connect people with the beauty of my homeland birthed that need.

Q: What makes your tours unique compared to others in the market?

A: At Monkey Tours, we are one step ahead of following traditional tour guiding ? we use an entertainment – based tour guiding method to ensure that our clients are enriched with knowledge and are also enjoying along the way. We are always geared to give our customers an unforgettable experience which we believe makes us unique.

Q: Can you describe your target audience? Who do you hope to attract?

A: Our main and primary target audience is Russian speaking clients. We have taken the time to carefully understand their unique interests and preferences, and we also provide our services in their language. Our aim is to attract a diverse range of travelers by offering tailored experiences that resonate with their interests and needs feeding their expectations.

Business Development

Q: What challenges have you faced while launching your business?

A: The biggest challenge when starting off my business at my initial stage was marketing. 12 years ago, we did not use social media as much as we do now and I used to physically go out there and meet and speak to clients explaining what I offer and convincing them to buy my tours which certainly pays off very well to this date. But apart from that, I was not fluent with the language and as you know, Russian is one of the hardest languages and it was purely self-taught solely based on the conversations and interactions I have had. I think the rising competition was also quite challenging since I had just entered the industry at that time.

Q: What marketing strategies have been most effective for you?

A: Social media has been the main and I predominantly leverage on Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp as my marketing avenues. I constantly keep my audience engaged with stories and new updates while also feeding their minds with new information and experiences. Apart from this, I use customer reviews to promote my business and showcasing such has always helped in building credibility. Further, we also run with a strong referral-based network which results as one of our key strategies in marketing.

Operations and Logistics

Q: How do you choose the locations and experiences for your tours??

A: We mostly choose sights which are considered as popular destinations that offer unique cultural experiences, history and local traditions. Apart from these, we also incorporate locations upon the distinctive beauty of the specific location where clients find themselves delighted and in awe with, places that are picturesque and very instagrammable (if you put it in modern language)

Q: What steps do you take to ensure the safety and comfort of your customers?

A: As a practice, we equip our chauffeurs and guides with safety and emergency medical protocol trainings ensuring the availability of first aid and hygiene supplies. We provide clients with comprehensive information before the tour including safety tips, clothing/footwear and all additionally required information. Since we are out and about on the roads most of the time during the tour, I ensure that the chauffeurs that go on the tours are well versed and mindful with their driving. We also establish a safe space where clients can feel free to approach us for any concern.

Q: How do you handle bookings and customer inquiries?

A: Primarily, we use our social media platforms to receive bookings. We maintain and handle this by allocating each of our staff to overlook a specific platform which eases and fastens the process. We also provide a website where all our information is present in the most detailed context where our clients could easily have a clear understanding which also further clears any existing doubts through our FAQs. Prior to confirming the booking, we ensure to cross check if clients may require any further clarification.

Customer Experience

Q: What feedback have you received from customers so far?

A: Feedback and reviews from clients are one of the main driving forces in business and I would most humbly say that the feedback we receive is nothing short of fulfilling. The level of satisfaction gained by reading through the reviews we receive is truly unmatchable. We use each of these reviews by advertising them to further promote Monkey Tours and also to continue maintaining the level of trust withheld by our clients.

Q: How do you incorporate customer feedback into your tours?

A: After every tour, I take the time to closely monitor and go through every review we have received in order to understand if there needs to be any improvement or any changes. I also encourage ongoing communication with clients to get their feedback/thoughts during the tour which, as a result allows me to make any real time adjustments if and when needed. Further as I have mentioned on the previous question, I use feedback as a marketing material to enhance service quality.

Q: What is the most memorable experience you?ve created for your customers?

A: The best part is that we try as much as possible to make every moment a memorable experience for our customers. We navigate and aim to bring out a unique sense of guiding exemplifying our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences throughout their journey.

Sustainability and Community Impact

Q: How do you address sustainability in your tours?

A: Following eco-friendly practices to carry out responsible tourism is extremely vital to maintain sustainability. I also promote respectful interactions with wildlife and cultural sites, encouraging travelers to leave a positive footprint. Additionally, I educate clients on sustainable practices during tours, fostering awareness and encouraging them to make environmentally conscious choices.

Q: What role do you think tourism plays in supporting local communities?

A: I think tourism empowers communities, enhances livelihood and promotes sustainable development by providing economic opportunities, creating jobs and fostering cultural exchange. Tourism works as a primary avenue to generate income for local businesses which boosts the economy while preserving our cultural heritage.

Future Plan

Q: What are your goals for the next year?

A: My goals for the next year include expanding the range of tours that I offer with new package options inclusive of new destinations. I always try to do something new for every season. And I?m also working on expanding Monkey Tours to a wider audience ? without just limiting to the Russian speaking market, looking at avenues to open up to the European market as well.

Q: How do you see the tourism industry evolving in the next few years?

A: Speaking of evolving with the current context of the industry, I personally see the industry growing towards greater emphasis on sustainability and responsible travel. Technology with continue to play a significant role in every aspect with especially improvements and advancements in accessing and booking. Further, with the rise of remote work, people will seek more long-term travel experiences, merging work and leisure. As a whole, I think the industry will grow more authentic with the enhancements of traveler experience while prioritizing sustainability.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the tourism sector?

A: Well, primarily identifying your target market and its current trends is important. Entrepreneurship is also being able to fill in any gaps you see in the market in your own unique methods. It?s extremely important to build strong partnerships and for that, networking with anyone and everyone is vital. Social media has taken a massive leap in society now and leveraging on all these suitable platforms is very helpful towards enhancing on what you provide. Also, being adaptable in the tourism industry is necessary because the industry has constant changes so being ready to change and flexible essential.

Personal Insights

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur?

A: I really like this question. The most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur has been that I have been able to create meaningful and unforgettable experiences for travelers. Being able to see that my customers enjoy the tours that I have created and to read through the reviews I receive brings me immense satisfaction. Building my business from nothing and watching its growth along with the impact it has on both clients and the country?s economy with the bringing in of foreign currency, is incredibly fulfilling. Ultimately, the freedom to innovate and pursue my passion every day makes the journey worthwhile.

Q: How do you maintain work-life balance as a business owner?

A: This is a crucial one but I always ensure to set certain boundaries and abide by timing that I have allocated for both work and personal life separately. It has certain glitches sometimes but I still make a conscious effort to engage in hobbies and spend quality time with family and friends, ensuring that I nurture my personal life. By staying organized and mindful of my time, I aim to create a healthier balance that supports both my business and personal well-being.