In 2005, inspired by the spirit of backpacking and a passion for adventure, Paul Sarfati and Arturo Martinez founded what would become the Bamba Experience Group. Sarfati, who conceived the idea while studying entrepreneurship at Babson College, drew on his youthful travels, including a transformative global backpacking journey at 18, to shape a company focused on independent and experiential tourism. Initially launched as Bamba Experience, the business evolved into Bamba Travel, catering to those seeking adventure-oriented and experience-rich trips. Instead of broadening a single brand, the company diversified, creating distinct businesses tailored to various segments of the travel market.
The group’s foray into destination management began in 2008 with operations in Mexico and Peru, which later became part of Be DMC, including Be Mexico and Be Peru. These entities collaborate with tour operators and agencies, providing specialized local expertise. In 2013, the introduction of Urban Day Trips marked another expansion, focusing on brief, locally-centered travel experiences. Recognizing a market gap in 2020, the company launched Baboo Travel to offer customized trip planning through technology and Local Experts. By 2026, Viajando Juntas was introduced, focusing on intimate, shared travel experiences for women, adding another layer to their diverse portfolio.
Today, Bamba Experience Group’s portfolio spans various tourism sectors, each tailored to specific traveler needs. Bamba Travel promotes independent, adventure, and experiential journeys, while Be DMC offers destination management expertise through Be Mexico and Be Peru. Urban Day Trips provides short, local excursions, and Baboo Travel combines technology with local insights for personalized itineraries. Viajando Juntas caters to women’s small-group travel, emphasizing community and shared experiences. Sarfati notes that their strategy has evolved alongside changing traveler expectations, underscoring the need for adaptation in a dynamic travel landscape.
The integration of technology across the group’s brands has become increasingly pivotal, with AI-enabled systems enhancing customer interaction, itinerary planning, and traveler communication. Sarfati emphasizes that while technology aids in these areas, it is meant to complement rather than replace the human touch in travel. This reflects a broader trend in the tourism industry, where digital convenience is paired with human expertise for navigating complex travel plans.
More than two decades since its inception, Bamba Experience Group has transformed from a singular adventure travel concept to a specialist in various tourism niches. The company’s evolution underscores a strategy focused on market specialization, with individual brands addressing specific traveler desires while shared resources and technology support the collective enterprise. As it moves forward, the company aims to align its offerings with ongoing tourism trends, including experiential travel, personalized itineraries, and digital planning solutions, maintaining its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
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