Harco van Uden: "Professionally, I am most proud that we did not lay anyone off during Corona"

At MASTERS EXPO - The Magical Edition, ExperienceTravel presents the most magical travel options that also contribute to a better world. This includes protecting nature and cultural heritage, but also creating employment. MASTERS talks to Founder Harco van Uden. What is actually the most memorable experience in his career...

At MASTERS EXPO – The Magical Edition, ExperienceTravel presents the most magical travel options that also contribute to a better world. This includes protecting nature and cultural heritage, but also creating employment. MASTERS talks to Founder Harco van Uden. What is actually the most memorable 'experience' in his career...

When did the entrepreneurial magic start for you?

''In 1998 I started what is now ExperienceTravel. During my studies at HEAO Eindhoven, I conducted research to map out the possibilities regarding tourism in Zimbabwe. During my internship I started as a custom travel specialist to Zimbabwe. The experience of the canoe safari was central at the time. Now 25 years later, our team of 60 employees provides special travel experiences to more than 120 destinations for the top segment of the Dutch market."  

What is the most magical moment of your career?

''For me the most magical moment is still that first canoe safari on the Zambezi in Zimbabwe. But honestly, I have had so many wonderful experiences that it is very difficult to choose just one. Professionally, I am most proud of the fact that we did not lay anyone off during Corona. Our turnover fell by 85% in 2020 and 71% in 2021. Despite these difficult times, we are now having the best year ever in the year of our 25th anniversary."

What is your motto? 

''Always look at what is possible instead of the things that are not possible''

“Your free time is precious, so you can only use it properly once”

If you could make a magic potion, what entrepreneurial talents would it contain? 

''Taking responsibility, being flexible, committed and reliable, being able to deliver quality and being proactive. We have actually captured this magic potion in our five core values. These are the values ​​that our travelers expect from us and can therefore expect. Our employees are also selected for these qualities, so that we can also rely on each other internally."

What magical novelty will you bring/present at MASTERS EXPO in December? 

''At MASTERS EXPO – The Magical Edition we present a magical journey to Necker Island. This is Sir Richard Branson's idyllic bounty island. In addition to enjoying the island, you can also choose to meet Branson himself. A real journey for entrepreneurs (with partner). You can still register...'' 

What are the trends in travel in the coming year?

''I expect that people will continue to travel a lot, but will make more conscious choices. Your free time is precious, so you can only use it properly once. In addition, traveling will also become increasingly expensive compared to previous years. This extra income creates more room to invest in a better world. This includes protecting nature, cultural heritage, but also creating employment in third world countries. Traveling connects and therefore creates more mutual understanding, not to mention personal happiness. If we invest extra in options for cleaner transport, we can continue to enjoy what our planet has to offer." 

MASTERS EXPO

MASTERS EXPO is the only premium business fair in Europe, where more than 40.000 visitors experience the most special offers in the field of modern luxury and future-proof business. From 7 to 11 December, more than 350 national and international parties – trend-setting and unifying leaders – will participate in MASTERS EXPO in the RAI in Amsterdam. Order your tickets here.