IExplore

Established in 1999 by George Deeb, iExplore emerged from his frustration as an investment banker in identifying and arranging his own adventure travel. Deeb, who previously worked at Credit Suisse First Boston in mergers and acquisitions, provided the initial seed capital for the Chicago-based company. His efforts with iExplore earned him the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year" award in 2001.

iExplore operates as a digital publisher and tour operator in the adventure and experiential travel market. The company's business model evolved from a travel agency that also sold gear to a full-fledged tour operator. Its primary offering is company-coordinated guided tours, which constitute 90% of the trips booked through its platform, allowing travelers flexibility with departure and return dates. The company generates revenue by organizing and selling these travel experiences and through digital publishing. The platform targets individuals seeking unique travel experiences, offering a wide array of options from cultural explorations and adventure sports like hiking and mountaineering to culinary travel and luxury retreats. The website serves as a source of travel inspiration, featuring original storytelling to attract its audience.

The company has navigated significant market challenges, including a downturn after September 11, which necessitated a staff reduction and a revision of its business model. iExplore was a venture-backed company, securing investments from firms like Bear Ventures and William Harris Investments, and had a strategic partnership with National Geographic. In January 2007, iExplore was acquired by the British firm First Choice Holidays PLC (later part of TUI Travel PLC) for an undisclosed sum, as part of a larger deal valued at approximately $32.5 million. This acquisition was pursued to provide an exit for its venture capital backers. George Deeb remained as CEO following the acquisition and led the division for two years. Currently, iExplore.com is owned and operated by Inside Out Media.

Keywords: adventure travel, experiential travel, tour operator, guided tours, travel booking, George Deeb, travel inspiration, digital travel publisher, cultural travel, luxury travel, hiking tours, mountaineering trips, culinary tourism, travel agency, TUI Travel, First Choice Holidays, National Geographic partnership, online travel market