TourAxis, the newly established parent company of leading tour operator Expat Explore and innovative travel platform Group Tour Shop, aims to revolutionise travel by bringing new, innovative and transformative travel experiences to the world. Our mission is to create new, cutting-edge solutions that enhance the way people experience group travel. Founded by travel industry veterans Carl Cronje and Jakes Maritz, TourAxis brings together nearly two decades of experience and expertise from its flagship brands, Expat Explore and Group Tour Shop. Both brands will operate under the TourAxis umbrella as part of a larger vision to streamline and enhance travel for both consumers and tour operators.“TourAxis is a natural evolution for us, built on a foundation of passion for travel and a relentless drive to innovate,” said Carl Cronje, Co-Founder of TourAxis. “With the experience we’ve gained through Expat Explore and Group Tour Shop, we’re excited to create a company that not only continues to deliver exceptional group travel experiences but also introduces new products and technologies that will shape the future of the travel industry.”
Pioneering Travel Innovation
Expat Explore, established in 2005, is one of Europe’s leading tour operators, offering expertly crafted group tours to thousands of travelers worldwide. Meanwhile, Group Tour Shop, launched in 2021 in response to the evolving needs of the travel industry post-pandemic, provides ready-to-go, customizable group tour itineraries for travel businesses. Together, these brands have helped travelers explore new destinations while empowering tour operators with efficient tools to grow their businesses.TourAxis builds on this legacy, with a vision to become a hub for innovation in travel. The company will incubate and launch new travel products, services, and technologies designed to simplify travel planning and booking for both operators and consumers. Through strategic investments in technology and a focus on the traveler experience, TourAxis aims to bring the joy of travel to more people around the world.
Looking Ahead
“As we look to the future, TourAxis will be a launchpad for new ventures in the travel space,” said Jakes Maritz, Co-Founder of TourAxis. “We’re committed to building a company that fosters creativity and constantly seeks new ways to improve the travel experience for everyone—from the casual tourist to the seasoned tour operator.”TourAxis will continue to support its brands’ existing operations while exploring new opportunities for growth in both B2B and B2C travel markets. The company’s mission is clear: to drive transformation in the travel industry by developing solutions that make group travel simpler, smarter, and more accessible.
About TourAxis
TourAxis is the parent company of Expat Explore and Group Tour Shop, founded with the goal of driving innovation in the travel industry. Through its portfolio of brands, TourAxis offers curated group travel experiences and provides tour operators with streamlined, customizable tour solutions. With a focus on technology, creativity, and customer satisfaction, TourAxis is reshaping the future of group travel.