The Beginning
Klook was founded in 2014, in Hong Kong, byEthan Lin, Eric Gnock Fah, and Bernie Xiaokang Xiong. Ethan and Eric loved to travel, but every time they went somewhere new, they noticed one big problem — it was easy to book flights and hotels online, but very hard to find and book local experiences like tours, activities, or attractions. They thought, “Why can’t booking fun things to do be as easy as booking a flight?” That’s how Klook began — as a simple idea to make travel experiences easy to discover and book online. The name Klook comes from “Keep Looking,” symbolizing curiosity and exploration.
The Idea
Klook’s goal was to help travelers easily explore cities. Instead of just offering flights or hotels, the app focused on “what to do when you arrive.”
You could book things like:
- Tickets to theme parks or museums
- Local tours and sightseeing trips
- Train or car rentals
- Food experiences and day trips
Everything was available on your phone, and you could pay instantly and get an e-ticket — no need to wait in lines or deal with travel agents.
Klook’s team worked directly with local tour guides and attractions to secure the best prices, so users saved money and received real-time confirmation in the app.
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Early Growth
In the beginning, Klook only had a few employees and a small office. But people loved the idea.
In 2014, Klook got $1.5 million in seed funding to grow the platform. And in 2015, it had raised another $5 million to expand across Asia.
The founders focused on building a strong mobile app that makes it easy for travelers from countries like China, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand to book activities in just a few taps.
By 2017, they had more than 10,000 experiences listed and users from all over Asia. That same year, they raised $30 million in funding led by Sequoia Capital China, one of the world’s largest venture capital firms.
Becoming a Global Company
After building a strong base in Asia, Klook started thinking bigger.
In 2018, they raised $200 million in funding and became a unicorn — a company valued at over $1 billion.
They began expanding into Europe and the United States, opening offices in London and Amsterdam. By now, Klook offers over 50,000 experiences in 200+ destinations worldwide.
Klook wasn’t just a travel startup anymore. It became one of the top global apps for booking “things to do” while traveling.
What Made Klook Special
- Focus on experiences – Most travel websites focus on hotels and flights. Klook concentrates on what really makes a trip memorable — the experiences.
- Mobile-first design – The app was fast, simple, and built for mobile users.
- Instant confirmation – You could book and get your ticket in seconds.
- Local partnerships – By working directly with small operators, Klook made activities more affordable and authentic.
- Asia-first approach: They started in Asia, where mobile travel booking was booming, and then went global.
The COVID-19 Challenge
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and travel almost came to a stop overnight.
It was a massive shock for Klook. Their entire business depended on travelling and exploring new places.
But instead of giving up, they changed direction. Klook started focusing on local travel and nearby experiences.
People couldn’t fly abroad, but they still wanted fun things to do near home — weekend getaways, local attractions, and “staycations.”
So, Klook created new categories on the app, like:
- Local food experiences
- Outdoor activities
- Short road trips
- Hotels for “work from anywhere” packages
They also started helping small businesses go online — providing software and tools to manage bookings, payments, and digital tickets.
Because of this quick thinking, Klook survived one of the most challenging times in the travel industry.
The Comeback
After the pandemic, travel slowly began to return — and Klook was ready.
In 2021, they raised $200 million more to rebuild stronger.
By 2023, the company announced it was finally profitable — meaning it was making money, not just growing.
It also revealed that its annual booking value had reached $3 billion, three times its pre-pandemic level.
Klook raised another $210 million in late 2023 to expand further. Now, over 80% of its bookings come from mobile phones, and more than half of users are repeat customers — showing that people trust and love the platform.
Today’s Klook
Klook is now one of the world’s most extensive travel and experience platforms.
Here’s what they focus on today:
- Play – Activities, attractions, events
- Stay – Hotels, staycations, local trips.
- Move – Transport, car rentals, train passes.s
They’re also using AI technology to make the experience smarter — helping users find better recommendations, translate reviews instantly, and get 24/7 chatbot support.
Klook partners with global brands like Disney, Universal Studios, and JR Pass Japan, while also promoting small, local tours and cultural experiences.
The Future
As travel demand rises again, Klook is focusing on:
- Expanding in Asia and the Middle East
- Supporting sustainable travel
- Introducing AI-based personalized trip planning
- Building more partnerships with hotels, transport, and event organizers
The company is now profitable and has millions of users worldwide. Its story shows how innovation, timing, and adaptability can turn a small startup idea into a global brand.
In Short
Klook began as a simple idea — to make booking travel experiences easy and fun.
Today, it’s a billion-dollar company that helps millions of people discover, plan, and enjoy their trips around the world.
