What does it mean to make it in the north? This is part of a series of portraits of local people, organisations, and companies working to further internationalise Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. This time we spoke to Caleb Lekishon, Founder of innovative start-up My Super Tours, which is based in Emmen. My Super Tours is an all-in-one travel booking website, with an accompanying community platform.
Caleb Lekishon has, at the age of just 28, already had quite an active life. “Although I am only starting out in business, I have gained some experience in, for example, the technical side of websites like this. In England I completed a Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management from The University of Nottingham. Prior to that, I studied for a Bachelor in Business Information Technology.”
Originally from Kenya, Lekison took some time in his home country to think about his future after his second degree. It was a conversation wit his study adviser that led him to choose the Netherlands: “I was told: ‘there are many opportunities for businesses in The Netherlands.’ Moreover, Dutch people generally speak English well”. He moved to Hengelo in Drenthe to try and join in with the Dutch entrepreneurial fervour.
Very soon after he began My Super Tours with help from Zero to One in Emmen. “It’s an international accelerator, and its good to have lots of entrepreneurs in one place”, added Lekishon.
“I started at the end of November 2018, so I can still make lots of progress. But first, people have to find me, so I am focusing on advertising via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn; Twitter, and I advertise on Google and other search engines. I am confident that this approach will bring more people”, said Lekishon.
My Super Tours is a website that follows the usual travel-booking pattern of bringing together all summer and winter holidays, car rentals, luggage storage, and so on. What makes the difference is its community platform. Lekishon: “from there, travellers can share their experiences and stories with others. I noticed that people enjoy doing that, and it is an aspect that sets the site apart”, he added.
His company generates income because part of the amounts of the bookings goes to him. “For example, if someone books something for a hundred euros, I can agree with the travel provider that five or 10 percent of the total amount goes to me,” Lekishon said.
And his thoughts now he’s lived in the Netherlands for a year or so? “This is where my interest lies and I enjoy doing the work that I do now. It gives me a good feeling to help other companies with My Super Tours. And the technological aspect of course really appeals to me. Moreover, I really like to travel, so it’s great that I now facilitate this myself.”
My Super Tours is online now, and available for everything from car rental bookings to package holidays. For more information, just visit their website. Has this piqued your interest in becoming an entrepreneur in the North? Head to Make it in the North to see the possibilities and services available to help.
