Smart travel service provider Xiaoluyou has secured nearly RMB 10 million (USD 1.6 million) in its first financing round led by CVIT Capital. The proceeds will be used for R&D, marketing and team building, according to business media 36Kr.
The Beijing-based company started operation in 2020 and focuses on digital navigation, smart transportation, SaaS management systems and other digital solutions for tourist attractions.
The company’s founder Ziru Le has pointed out that traditional travel operators are solely relying on ticketing and transportation businesses to generate revenues, and they struggle to meet consumers’ diverse needs in an era of digitization. Under such circumstances, Xiaoluyou sets out to help attractions upgrade digital and visualized operations.
The startup has established partnerships with over 1,000 tourist attractions as well as OTAs and tour operators, providing digital services such as maps, attractions descriptions, audio tours and information about public facilities. This year, it aims to extend to provide baby strollers rentals in tourist attractions, high streets, shopping malls and other venues, for RMB 10/hour (USD 1.6/h). The company is also exploring photography services.
With user traffic from its digital navigation service and connectivity with major travel platforms, Xiaoluyou’s mini program on WeChat now has nearly 8 million users. The company aims to provide comprehensive services covering catering, accommodation, transportation and entertainment, and establish a mechanism encouraging tourists to post reviews and share their experiences.
Xiaoluyou has posted annual revenues of over RMB 10 million (USD 1.6 million), and plans to launch an online shop next year.
