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Passion for travel fuels Mid-West startup Tourmata to revolutionise group tour operations

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Conor Wade, Caragh O’Shea and Micheál O’Sé, Co Founders of Mid-West startup Tourmata who are revolutionising group tour operations. Pic courtesy of NDRC

Mid-West startup Tourmata is revolutionising how group tour operators plan and execute trips

Mid-West startup Tourmata innovative platform has already gained traction with group tour operators, who are impressed by its ease of use and ability to streamline the planning process.
Tourmata’s innovative platform has already gained traction with group tour operators, who are impressed by its ease of use and ability to streamline the planning process.

Three friends from Clare and Tipperary, driven by their shared passion for travel and adventure, have co-founded Tourmata, an innovative start-up company that is revolutionising the way group tour operators plan and execute trips.

The company has experienced significant success in a short space of time and recently secured a spot in the prestigious NDRC Accelerator programme.
 
Best friends since their university days, Conor Wade of Sixmilebridge, Caragh O’Shea of Cratloe, and Dingle native Micheál O’Sé Dingle who now lives in Nenagh, have always shared a love for exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures.


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Their entrepreneurial journey began with a conversation over a takeaway where each brought their unique perspective and skillset to the table; Conor, a successful software developer, previously co-founded Chronogolf a world leading platform in Golf, Caragh was previously a General Manager of a sports tour operator and former president of Network Ireland Limerick, and Micheál was a project manager in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device industry.

“We met over a takeaway and started talking about travelling,” said Conor Wade, Co-Founder of Tourmata. “We realised that there was a gap in the market for a platform that could streamline the planning process for group tour operators. We saw an opportunity to create something that would make it easier for them to manage their trips, reducing stress and increasing efficiency.”

In recent months, the trio have focused on developing and refining their concept and building a prototype. Their hard work paid off, leading to a win at the Portershed Founders Weekend, followed by selection on the prestigious NDRC pre-accelerator programme for start-up founders. Soon after, Tourmata was confirmed as one of seven companies to be accepted on the prestigious NDRC Accelerator Programme.

NDRC is Ireland’s national start-up accelerator programme for globally ambitious entrepreneurs, powered by Dogpatch Labs in partnership with Portershed, RDI Hub, and Republic of Work. It helps start-ups to succeed at every stage of their journey through coaching and mentoring, with a founder-first approach delivered by international experts.

“We were thrilled to be selected from over 300 companies to be one of the final 7 companies in the NDRC Accelerator Programme,” said Caragh O’Shea, Co-Founder of Tourmata. “Our first week was an incredible experience that allowed us to refine our business model and gain valuable insights from mentors and peers.”

Tourmata’s innovative platform has already gained traction with group tour operators, who are impressed by its ease of use and ability to streamline the planning process. The company has also secured funding from Tipperary Local Enterprise Offices, further solidifying its position as a leading force in the industry.
 
“We’re thrilled with the progress we’ve made so far,” said Micheál, Co-Founder of Tourmata. “We’re excited to continue growing our business and making it easier for group tour operators to plan and execute successful trips. Our passion for travel has led us on an incredible journey, and we’re grateful to have such a supportive community behind us.”

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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.