Koning Aap Reizen
Koning Aap Reizen is a privately-held Belgian group travel operator based in Ghent that sells small-group (6-20 person) package tours to exotic destinations worldwide, primarily serving consumers in Belgium and the Netherlands, with a strong focus on sustainability and community-based tourism.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersGhent, Belgium
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Koning Aap Reizen does
Koning Aap Reizen is a privately-held Belgian group travel operator headquartered in Ghent, founded in 1985 and operating under parent company Adventure Specialists alongside sister brand Shoestring. The company sells small-group package tours (6 to 20 persons) to destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania, primarily to consumers in Belgium and the Netherlands. Product lines include Classic, Explore, Pioneer, Family and Festival trips, complemented by Guaranteed Departures, Last Minute, and Private Group formats, with a stated traveler satisfaction rating of 9+.
The underlying technology is a standard digital booking and customer portal (mijn.koningaap.be) for trip administration, document management and customer accounts, supported by a content website (koningaap.be), a podcast, a travel blog, email newsletters and in-person inspiration days (inspiratiedagen). Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the website, phone support and events; channel partnerships with curated local agents and on-the-ground operators (e.g., Royal Mountain Travel in Nepal, Pure! Peru, Visit Georgia, Chiang Chill) provide in-country execution. No AI, API, or app capabilities are disclosed.
Koning Aap earns revenue primarily from package tour sales (typically structured as a 25% deposit within 3 days of booking, with balance due 6 weeks before departure), with ancillary streams from tiered cancellation fees (15%-100% of trip cost), modification fees (€50/€100 per booking), single room supplements, dossier fees (€27.50 per solo traveler, €42.50 for two or more), and optional excursions and travel insurance. The company has been Travelife Certified at the highest level since 2013, is a Top Member of ECPAT's The Code, and was named 'Ei van Columbus – Most Sustainable Travel Organization of the Year' in 2024. Sustainability commitments are operationalized through partnerships with Justdiggit (reforestation), ResiRest (community meals), AMAL Center (women's empowerment in Morocco) and the Water Justice Fund (Kenya).
Koning Aap Reizen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Koning Aap Reizen
- Legal name
- Koning Aap
- Website
- https://koningaap.be
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Koning Aap Reizen is a privately-held Belgian group travel operator based in Ghent that sells small-group (6-20 person) package tours to exotic destinations worldwide, primarily serving consumers in Belgium and the Netherlands, with a strong focus on sustainability and community-based tourism.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Koning Aap Reizen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Group Tour Operator Services
- NAICS
- Tour Operators (561520), Tour Operators (56152)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Group & Small-Group Custom Itinerary Planning (THAKAOAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Luxury Multi-Day Tour Operators (THAKADAE), Group, Family & Multi-Generational Travel Planning (HSACAKAK)
Keywords
Where Koning Aap Reizen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ghent
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Koning Aap Reizen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Group Package Tours: Organized group travel packages to destinations worldwide including Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania. Revenue generated through package pricing that includes land arrangements, accommodations, local transport, and tour leadership.
- Cancellation and Modification Fees: Cancellation fees ranging from 15% to 100% of trip cost depending on timing. Modification fees of €50 per booking for changes to flights or extensions.
- Single Room Supplements: Additional charges for solo travelers choosing private rooms instead of shared accommodation.
- Optional Excursions and Add-ons: Pre-bookable excursions and travel insurance add-ons sold alongside package tours.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Package Tour Pricing |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cancellation Fee - 56+ days before departure |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cancellation Fee - 28-56 days before departure |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cancellation Fee - 14-28 days before departure |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cancellation Fee - Within 14 days of departure |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Dossier/Booking Fees |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Modification Fees |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Single Room Supplement |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Koning Aap Reizen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Koning Aap Reizen is a Belgian tour operator that sells organized small-group travel packages (typically 6 to max. 20 persons) to far and unusual destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. Its itineraries span Classic, Explore, Pioneer, Festival and Family themes, with bundled land arrangements, accommodations, local transport, tour leadership and optional excursions, sold directly to Belgian and Dutch travelers via its website and customer portal.
Product overview
Koning Aap Reizen operates as a group travel operator specializing in authentic, sustainable journeys to exotic destinations worldwide. The portfolio consists of multiple travel types: core Groepsreizen (group trips for 6-20 persons), Familiereizen (family trips), Festivalreizen (festival-focused travel), and Pioniersreizen (pioneer trips to remote areas). These are complemented by themed sub-brands including Classic Reizen and Explore Reizen, plus product features like Gegarandeerde Reizen (guaranteed departures), Last Minute Reizen, and Privé Groepsreizen (private groups). The company also operates Shoestring as a budget-focused sister brand for solo travelers. All offerings emphasize small groups, high traveler ratings (9+), authentic experiences, flight flexibility, and environmental sustainability through partnerships with Justdiggit and Travelife certification.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Shoestring: Sister brand of Koning Aap, offering group travel for single and solo travelers.
Products and services
- Groepsreizen (Group Trips) Small-group international tours (6 to max. 20 persons) to exotic destinations worldwide, including land arrangements, accommodations, local transport and professional tour leadership. Targeted at individual travelers, couples and friend groups in Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Familiereizen (Family Trips) Family-friendly group tours with age-appropriate activities and accommodations, designed for households with children who want an organized international itinerary.
- Festivalreizen (Festival Trips) Specialized tours built around cultural festivals and events worldwide, allowing travelers to experience local traditions and celebrations with group logistics handled.
- Pioniersreizen (Pioneer Trips) Adventurous itineraries to remote, lesser-known destinations where tourism infrastructure is still developing, aimed at travelers seeking authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences.
- Classic Reizen Traditional group travel packages featuring popular destinations and well-established itineraries for travelers seeking classic travel experiences.
- Explore Reizen Intermediate-level group tours balancing adventure and comfort for experienced travelers looking for immersive destination experiences.
- Gegarandeerde Reizen (Guaranteed Departure Trips) Pre-confirmed group tours that are guaranteed to depart on their scheduled dates, providing booking certainty for travelers.
- Last Minute Reizen Group and family trips departing within the next two months, often available at reduced prices for spontaneous travelers.
- Privé Groepsreizen (Private Group Trips) Customized private group tours with a personal guide, allowing travelers to form their own group and follow a tailored itinerary.
Quantifiable outcome
- Small group sizes ensure authentic experiences for 6-20 travelers
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Koning Aap Reizen
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Koning Aap Reizen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Koning Aap Reizen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- JustdiggitcoreNon-profit organization focused on reforestation and land restoration in Africa. Koning Aap's parent company Adventure Specialists supports Kisiki Hai ('living stump') technique in Tanzania to regrow trees and natural shoots. Partnership also includes water bund ('earth smiles') projects in Kenya. Company donated €100,000 in 2024 and takes responsibility for climate impact of organized travels.
- Chiang Chillcore100% animal-friendly elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Elephants can roam freely, graze and bathe in a safe enclosed park. Recognized internationally and supported by World Animal Protection. Company carefully selected this partner with their local agent to ensure ethical elephant encounters.
- ResiRestcoreSocial enterprise with World Fair Trade recognition that brings travelers to local families for meals. Families are screened for hygiene and receive fair payment per person. Currently offered in Morocco, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Peru, Egypt, and Thailand. Approximately 415 families earned income through this program in 2024.
- Stichting AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection)minorEuropean animal welfare organization rescuing exotic mammals like monkeys, lions, and tigers from poor conditions. Combats illegal animal trade and advocates for stricter laws including EU ban on wild animals in circuses. Company makes annual donations to support their mission.
- ECPAT/The CodecoreInternational initiative to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse of children in tourism. Company maintains Top Member status and actively reports annually on contributions to this mission. Operates reporting system through DontLookAway platform.
- World Animal ProtectioncoreInternational animal welfare organization consulted by the company when uncertain about animal excursions. Their advice is followed in most cases. Their research on elephant tourism in Thailand informs the company's ethical excursion choices.
- Local Travel Agents/PartnerscoreLocal partners on destinations crucial for execution of travels. They provide local transport, guide services, and advise on locations and accommodations. Partners are extended arm of Koning Aap with long-term collaboration sought. 96% have sustainability policies, 52% are certified, and 83% committed to certification by end of 2023.
- Adventure SpecialistscoreParent company of Koning Aap and sister company Shoestring. Certified by Travelife since 2013 at highest level, employs dedicated sustainability coordinator, developed comprehensive climate plan. Positioned as sector leader in sustainability.
- Royal Mountain Travel (Nepal)coreLocal agent in Nepal managing porters, cooks, and mountain guides for treks. Network of homestay accommodations set up where women otherwise would have no visible work. Has sustainability certification.
- Pure! PerucoreLocal partner in Peru for Inca Trail treks. Uses specialized organization for guide, cook, and porter services. Pays above minimum wage and provides shoes, clothing, meals, and health insurance. Has sustainability certification.
- Visit GeorgiaminorLocal partner in Georgia that hires only local drivers rather than bringing drivers from Tbilisi, ensuring money goes directly to families in their own villages.
- Amal Center (Morocco)minorSocial project in Marrakech empowering disadvantaged women through culinary training and job placement. Also includes sign language cafe for women with hearing impairments. Company supports through donations as part of sustainable project portfolio.
- Water Justice Fund (Kenya)minorProject supported since 2024 focusing on women's empowerment in access to clean water in Kenya.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Koning Aap Reizen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- G Adventures: Worldwide small-group tour operator with comparable sustainable tourism commitments. Larger scale across geographies but similar group size ranges and customer motivations.
- TUI Group: Europe's largest integrated tourism group offering tours, packages, and cruises. Broadly competes for Benelux travelers but primarily mass-market versus Koning Aap's small-group niche.
- Intrepid Travel: Global leader in small-group sustainable travel with a B Corp certification and broad destination coverage. Larger scale and brand recognition, but overlapping product philosophy and destinations.
- Thomas Cook (relaunched): Historic UK tour operator brand that was relaunched as an online-only OTA selling package holidays. Significantly larger scale but competes loosely in the broader Benelux-adjacent European package travel market.
Emerging players
- TravelLocal: Online platform connecting travelers with local tour operators for custom itineraries. Represents an emerging model that could compete for sustainability-conscious travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Direct peers
- Shoestring: Sister brand of Koning Aap under Adventure Specialists, offering group trips targeted at solo and budget travelers. Closely comparable product format though differentiated by audience and price point.
- Sawadee Reizen: Dutch tour operator running group trips to Asia, Africa, and Latin America with overlapping target segments and pricing tier. Competes for the same Benelux traveler seeking authentic experiences.
- Baobab Reizen: Belgian/Dutch sustainable tour operator focused on distant destinations with a similar small-group model and community-based tourism projects. Directly comparable on geography, audience, and sustainability framing.
- Djoser Reizen: Amsterdam-based small-group tour operator offering guided group trips to Asia, Africa, and Latin America with comparable group sizes and authenticity-led positioning. Most direct competitor for the Dutch-speaking Benelux traveler.
- Better Places: Dutch sustainable tour operator marketing curated trips with local partners. Comparable on sustainability-led positioning and Benelux customer base.
Market position
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Koning Aap Reizen social profiles
Digital presenceKoning Aap Reizen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Koning Aap Reizen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Koning Aap Reizen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Koning Aap Reizen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Koning Aap Reizen
What does Koning Aap Reizen do?
Koning Aap Reizen is a Belgian tour operator that sells organized small-group travel packages (typically 6 to max. 20 persons) to far and unusual destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. Its itineraries span Classic, Explore, Pioneer, Festival and Family themes, with bundled land arrangements, accommodations, local transport, tour leadership and optional excursions, sold directly to Belgian and Dutch travelers via its website and customer portal.
Is Koning Aap Reizen a public or private company?
Koning Aap Reizen is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Koning Aap Reizen founded?
Koning Aap Reizen was founded in 1985. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Koning Aap Reizen based?
Koning Aap Reizen is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does Koning Aap Reizen make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Group Package Tours are the primary driver. The others are cancellation and Modification Fees, single Room Supplements and optional Excursions and Add-ons.
Who are Koning Aap Reizen's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are G Adventures, TUI Group, Intrepid Travel and Thomas Cook (relaunched). TravelLocal is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Shoestring, Sawadee Reizen, Baobab Reizen, Djoser Reizen and Better Places.
Does Koning Aap Reizen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Koning Aap Reizen.
What industry is Koning Aap Reizen in?
Koning Aap Reizen's product category is Group Tour Operator Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAKAOAF, Group & Small-Group Custom Itinerary Planning, with a secondary code of THAKADAE, Luxury Multi-Day Tour Operators. Its NAICS code is 561520.