Seek Sophie Unveils Hidden Gems, Balancing Tourism and Sustainability
Seek Sophie, a Singapore-based travel platform, was launched in 2018 by Jacinta Lim and Lina Gedvilaite. Initially, it targeted international travelers seeking extreme adventures, attracting customers like travel writers and photographers. Frustrated with mainstream platforms like Expedia and Travelocity, the founders aimed to offer unique, non-touristy experiences.
In its early days, Seek Sophie discovered hidden gems through hands-on exploration. For instance, they unearthed the biodiverse Kinabatangan River expedition in Malaysia. As the platform grew, it prioritized balancing tourism with sustainability. It worked with local partners to set limits on group sizes and promote responsible tourism.
The COVID-19 pandemic led Seek Sophie to pivot. It focused on uncovering hidden gems closer to home, resonating with locals and opening new possibilities. This shift also catalyzed the formation of a strong creator community, providing valuable feedback. The platform aims to make every journey meaningful, sustainable, and deeply personal. Seek Sophie encourages its team, from customer service staff to co-founders, to participate in the experiences they promote to ensure quality and safety standards.
Seek Sophie was founded out of a desire to offer alternative travel experiences. It has since grown, balancing tourism with sustainability, and adapting during the pandemic. Today, it continues to uncover hidden gems, foster a creator community, and strive to make every journey meaningful and sustainable.
