Vio Travel says it could automate up to 99% of the travel booking process, but the company has no plans to eliminate the human element. Instead, it believes experienced travel specialists remain essential for creating personalized itineraries and handling complex travel decisions.
In an interview, co-CEOs Dominik Schaufler and Michael Lynden-Bell explained how the company combines technology with human expertise to simplify multi-country travel planning across the Asia-Pacific region.
Automating the Booking Process
Vio Travel has built a platform that connects travel agents with directly contracted suppliers across 15 destinations. The system allows agents to create, customize and price multi-country itineraries in real time.
According to Schaufler, many tour operators still rely on manual processes that are slow and inconsistent. By automating routine tasks, the platform helps agents prepare proposals faster and respond to customers more quickly.
Lynden-Bell added that the technology removes delays by providing instant pricing and live inventory. As a result, agents no longer need to wait for suppliers to respond before creating travel plans.
Human Judgment Remains Essential
Although the platform handles most booking tasks, Vio Travel believes technology cannot replace human experience.
Lynden-Bell estimated that the platform manages about 80% of the booking process. Meanwhile, travel specialists focus on the remaining 20%, which includes unique customer requests and complex travel arrangements.
Schaufler said the company could technically automate 99% of bookings. However, he stressed that the final 1% requires human judgment, especially when recommending hotels, experiences or customized itineraries that best match a traveler’s preferences.
Building Strong Supplier Partnerships
Vio Travel’s network includes hundreds of local suppliers across Asia-Pacific destinations. However, bringing those partners onto the platform required significant effort.
According to Schaufler, many suppliers had limited experience with digital booking systems. Therefore, Vio Travel relied on local teams to guide partners through the onboarding process and help them adopt the technology.
He added that strong personal relationships remain essential for long-term collaboration. Once suppliers began receiving more bookings, they became more willing to embrace the platform.
Sustainability Shapes Supplier Selection
The company recently became the first destination management company (DMC) in Asia to receive certification under the Preferred by Nature Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities, a benchmark recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Schaufler said sustainability is a core requirement when selecting suppliers. If a supplier fails to meet the company’s environmental and social standards, it cannot join the network. At the same time, Vio Travel works with partners that are committed to improving their sustainability practices.
A Different Approach from Online Travel Giants
Despite operating in the online travel sector, Vio Travel does not view companies such as Booking.com or Klook as direct competitors.
Instead, Lynden-Bell said the company specializes in multi-day, multi-country itineraries that combine hotels, transfers, guided tours, domestic flights and other travel services. These complex trips require personalized planning and ongoing support that standard online booking platforms typically do not provide.
By combining automation with expert advice, Vio Travel aims to help travel agents deliver faster service while maintaining the personal touch that many travelers continue to value.
