Rod Cuthbert

In this conversation, Rod Cuthbert, the founder of Viator, shares his journey of transforming travel booking online. He reveals how Viator was born from a failed partnership and his foresight regarding the decline of traditional travel agents. Rod discusses navigating startup challenges, securing investment, and the eventual acquisition by Tripadvisor. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and personal connections in the travel industry while reflecting on the joy of discovering local cultures through food.

Rod Cuthbert, co-founder of Viator, shares the creation story of the pioneering online booking platform for tours and activities. He discusses the challenges faced in the early days, the company's rapid growth, and the uncertainties in the travel industry. Cuthbert reflects on luck and serendipity in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in business success.

Rod Cuthbert, the visionary founder of Viator, shares his remarkable journey from Tasmania to transforming the travel landscape. He reveals how a chance project in e-commerce led to creating the world’s leading platform for booking experiences. Rod emphasizes the shift in consumer values towards experiences over possessions and predicts AI will revolutionize travel distribution. He also discusses the evolution of the tour industry and offers candid advice for startups, drawing on his rich entrepreneurial journey.