Marin Rinčić, founder of Travel Ray software: “A revolution in the business of DMC agencies”
Please find below a short interview with Mr Rinčić, founder of Travel Ray software for DMC agencies, which has already gained a respectable status in the world of travel tech. Mr Rinčić, who has over 25 years of experience in tourism, reflected on the beginnings of TravelRay, future plans, and some current affairs in the world of travel tech and tourism in general:
Marine, many know you as the founder of one of the first teambuilding agencies in Croatia. But today, you are at the head of Travel Ray, a software solution for DMC agencies. How did it all begin?
Exactly! Travel Ray arose from a specific need within my agency, which specialised in incentive programmes. Eight years ago, I realised that available software solutions for DMC agencies didn't go much beyond working with Word and Excel. They weren't comprehensive or tailored to the specific needs of the industry. As I couldn't find an adequate solution, I decided to develop one myself.
I've surrounded myself with tourism and IT sector experts, and together we embarked on developing Travel Ray. Honestly, if I had known how demanding it would be and how constant adaptation is necessary, I might have thought twice. However, today, after all the challenges, including COVID, I am proud of what we have achieved. What pleases me most is that we work daily with partners who are satisfied with our solution.
Which agencies are the ideal users for Travel Ray?
Best suited for DMC (incoming) agencies! However, there are many specialised types of DMC agencies – those that work with FIT travellers, groups, cycling tours, shorex programmes, and so on. We also work with hotel agencies that use Travel Ray for upselling additional services.
Their commonality is creating tailor-made programmes, and Travel Ray is flexible enough to support their unique business processes.
What makes Travel Ray special compared to the competition?
The biggest difference is that we built the software from scratch, rather than upgrading existing systems. We started with finance, tax systems, and operational challenges, and built a comprehensive solution.
Experienced tourism professionals from DMC agencies, MICE, the hotel and airline industries are involved in the development, so we understand clients firsthand. Travel Ray ensures the consistency of know-how within the agency, reduces information loss when employees leave, and enables real-time reporting.
Do you only work with Croatian agencies or are you also present on the international market?
We have clients from all over the world! While we want to be leaders in Croatia, our strategic focus is on Western European incoming markets, such as Italy, France, and Spain.
Last year, we began a collaboration with one of the largest French agencies, LaFayette, who were responsible for the transfers of athletes and staff during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Our software continuously adapts to the needs of different markets and clients.
Travel Ray's enhancements to an agency's daily operations:
Tourist agencies handle vast amounts of information, and Travel Ray allows for its consolidation. All data – from initial inquiries to offers, contracts, vouchers, and finances – is entered only once, which eliminates unnecessary repetition and reduces workload.
For example, preparing quotes and contracts now takes 75% less time than before, and agencies that have been using Travel Ray for longer are gradually discovering more and more features that make their work easier.
Is Travel Ray scalable? Can it be adapted to different agency sizes and needs?
Absolutely! Travel Ray has been developed using modern programming languages to be as flexible and adaptable as possible to client and market specifics. We also use AI to speed up certain processes, and feedback has been excellent. We plan to further develop AI tools for optimising agency operations.
Can Travel Ray be integrated with other tools in the tourism industry (IBE, CRMs, Channel Managers)?
Yes! We already have certain integrations, and if a client has specific needs, we are prepared to develop additional ones. Our goal is for Travel Ray to cover as many processes as possible, but if integration with external systems is necessary, we can enable that.
What are the plans for Travel Republic's further development?
Development never stops! Every new client brings an opportunity for improvement. For example, last year we developed a transfer module for a client from Paris, and this year we are working on a bus transport module. In the future, we plan to add modules for outgoing agencies.
Kao alat za poboljšanje korisničkog iskustva, automatizaciju zadataka i optimizaciju operacija.
AI is already integrated into Travel Ray, and its role in tourism will only grow. We plan to further develop AI tools to speed up and simplify agents' work.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during the development of Travel Ray?
Early-stage funding, especially during COVID, was a major challenge. It's also difficult to find developers who understand tourism. However, we're fortunate to be working with a team that focuses exclusively on Travel Ray, allowing them stability and the development of a unique product.
What was your most exciting moment in the development of Travel Ray?
A definitive contract signing with the French agency LaFayette! We were among 10 global providers and were selected as the best solution. This confirmed that we are doing the right thing.
Kako vidite budućnost DMC sektora u sljedećih nekoliko godina?
Tourism will grow, and tailor-made trips will become increasingly popular, especially among clients seeking premium service and a personalised approach.
If you had to pick one key advantage of Travel Ray, what would it be?
Business stability, credibility with partners, and significant cost savings for agencies.
What would you say to young people entering the tourism industry?
Tourism requires patience and perseverance. Learning and progress are a process, and I would encourage young people to be brave and not be afraid to start their own business when they feel they are ready!
