Featured SME
Discovery Travel
March 7, 2025
Discovery Travel Journey: Discovery Travel, headquartered in Muscat, Oman, specializes in crafting holiday packages for families, groups, corporate clients, and solo adventurers. They aim to create seamless, enjoyable travel experiences that resonate with Omani tastes and preferences.
Origin and Challenges: Discovery Travel identified a gap in the Omani travel and tourism market, specifically the need to balance quality and affordability. However, they soon realized that managing cash flow in the travel industry was like solving a complex puzzle.
Expansion Plans: Discovery Travel intends to expand its packages in the upcoming year. It will introduce experiential travel packages that combine education, culture, and exploration. The company is also focusing on enhancing inbound tourism.
Beehive Funding Success: Beehive’s business funding enabled them to remain agile without draining their reserves and significantly improved their cash flow.
About Discovery Travel
Discovery Travel specialises in creating unforgettable journeys. Based in Oman, the company offers holiday packages tailored for families, groups, corporate clients, and solo adventurers.
Additionally, they provide customised travel solutions for schools and organisations, enabling them to explore the world for fun and meaningfully.
While Discovery Travel enjoys helping Omani travellers explore destinations abroad, it is equally devoted to showcasing the beauty of Oman to the world through its inbound tourism services.
Find out more about Discovery Travel
Q&A with Husain Abdulkarim
Owner & Managing Director, Discovery Travel
How did the company start?
It all began with a simple observation: the Omani travel market lacked high-quality, affordable holiday packages to international destinations. We identified this gap as an opportunity. We rolled up our sleeves, established strong partnerships with airlines, selected the best hotels, and collaborated with trusted operators worldwide.
Our goal was to create seamless and enjoyable travel experiences that cater to the tastes and preferences of Omanis.
From day one, we have been committed to value, reliability, and creating memories that last a lifetime. It’s not just about travel; it’s about delivering moments that truly matter.
From all the challenges that a new business could encounter, what would you list as the top three?
Starting a travel business is like planning a trip—super exciting until you hit a few bumps.
Our first major challenge was building trust in a reputation-driven industry, requiring consistent effort and clear communication.
Next, we worked to balance quality and affordability by understanding customer preferences to create appealing packages without compromising quality.
Securing funding posed difficulties, as the travel industry demands significant upfront investment, especially during peak seasons. Managing cash flow while coordinating flight seats and hotel blocks felt like solving a complex puzzle, but it was rewarding when everything aligned.
What are your business plans for the next 12 months?
Over the next year, we will expand our travel packages to accommodate different budgets and preferences. Whether you seek luxury or budget-friendly options, we have something for everyone. We will increase the seats available for popular destinations and introduce exciting new locations to our offerings.
In addition, we are launching experiential travel packages that blend education, culture, and exploration. These packages are ideal for schools, organisations, and families who want to broaden their horizons while enjoying adventurous experiences.
Furthermore, we are placing a strong emphasis on inbound tourism. Oman is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage, and we are excited to welcome more international travellers to discover its offerings.
What advice would you provide to someone considering turning their passion into a business idea?
Passion is the spark that ignites your journey, but strategy fuels it. Start by identifying a genuine need in the market; understand how your idea can fill that gap. Loving what you do is essential, but ultimately, you must solve a problem for your customers.
Once you’ve pinpointed that need, clarify your value proposition. Why should customers choose you over your competitors? What makes your offer genuinely unique? This clarity will guide your messaging and attract your target audience.
Planning for growth from the outset is crucial. Consider how your business can scale and outline the systems needed to support this growth. This proactive approach will save you time and stress down the line.
Equally important is listening to your customers; they are your best teachers. Embrace their feedback and adapt accordingly, always striving to exceed their expectations.
Finally, maintain your resilience. The journey from passion to profit is rarely smooth; setbacks are inevitable. However, your passion and perseverance will be the driving force that propels you forward, even in challenging times.
About the funding: Discovery Travel’s experience with Beehive
How did you find Beehive?
Finding the right funding partner was like finding the perfect travel destination; it had to meet our needs perfectly.
We explored several options, but Beehive stood out for its efficiency and transparency. A fellow business owner’s recommendation sealed the deal, and we tried it.
What was it like before you used Beehive?
Before Beehive, we struggled with traditional banks. We had to complete a lot of paperwork, overcome bureaucratic barriers, and wait long for the processing.
As a travel agency, timing is everything. Delays lead to missed opportunities, such as securing early bookings with airlines and hotels. It’s like trying to catch a flight with a late boarding pass—very stressful and ineffective.
How did you use the funds you raised on Beehive? What issue was resolved or improved by Beehive’s product?
The funds from Beehive were a game changer for our cash flow. To clarify, we were not looking for profitability at the time but maintaining agility. In the travel industry, upfront payments are often necessary to secure competitive rates for flights and hotels.
Beehive’s funding allowed us to do this without exhausting our reserves. It provided us with a financial safety net that enabled us to concentrate on delivering exceptional experiences to our clients.
Why did you choose Beehive for funding? What features contributed to your decision to use Beehive?
Beehive ticked all the boxes. Their process was fast and hassle-free, with no endless waiting or red tape.
They were transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises. They offered flexibility, understood our industry’s unique needs, and provided a solution that worked for us. Moreover, their team was incredibly helpful, quickly guiding us through the process.
How did you find the process? How did it compare to other options, such as bank loans?
Working with Beehive was like upgrading from economy to business class—smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Traditional bank loans felt like navigating a maze with endless paperwork and delays. Beehive, on the other hand, was straightforward and quick.
We received the funds we needed without having to go through any hoops, allowing us to focus on what we do best: creating amazing travel experiences.
What advice would you give to business owners considering funding? Would you recommend Beehive to other businesses seeking finance?
I advise other entrepreneurs to know their numbers, understand their needs, and choose a partner that aligns with their goals.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional banks. Platforms like Beehive offer modern, tailored solutions that can make a real difference.
I highly recommend Beehive, as it is an excellent choice for well-prepared businesses seeking a reliable and efficient funding partner.
Any other comments?
Working with Beehive was a reminder that the right partner can make all the difference. They didn’t just provide funding- they allowed us to focus on our mission: creating unforgettable travel experiences.
Want to become a Beehive SME?
Want to become a Beehive SME?
business funding here:
