Mango Tiger DMC is a fresh take on inbound travel in Southeast Asia, guided by a simple ethos: People. Product. Purpose. That means creating trips that feel good for travellers, communities, and the planet.

What does “Products with Purpose” mean to Mango Tiger DMC, and how does it set you apart from traditional DMCs?

For us, “Products with Purpose” means every trip should leave something good behind it for travellers, for communities, and for the environment. We don’t just handle logistics; we build experiences that mix culture, adventure, and sustainability in a way that’s straightforward and transparent.

What inspired the creation of Mango Tiger DMC, and what gap in the travel industry are you aiming to fill?

Mango Tiger came from seeing travellers looking for more than the usual packaged tours but not finding it. We wanted to create something in between travel that feels personal, authentic, and responsible, while still being easy to plan and book. When we started to live in Asia 15 years ago, we would find ourselves in real situations, enjoying dinner, meeting local people and enjoying real and authentic experiences off the tourist trail. We wondered why travellers couldn’t get those kinds of ‘real’ experiences, so we wanted to address that.

How do you envision the future of inbound travel in Asia, and how is Mango Tiger helping shape that future?

We see the future of travel in Asia as being more about experiences and connection and less about checking off a list of sights. The highlights will always have a place, but people want purpose, fun, and genuine interactions. Our role is to design trips that reflect that: simple, modern, and mindful of both travellers and locals.

A central part of the preparation process derived from the diversity of destinations is a presentation each participant has to hold during the preparation session about their host country. This is aimed at making sure they dedicate some time to doing research on practical and cultural aspects and are truly aware of the new culture and their responsibility towards it.

What role do local communities play in the experiences you design?

Local people and businesses are central to what we do. We work directly with them to create experiences that are fair, authentic, and beneficial for everyone. This way, travellers get a more meaningful connection, and communities see real value from tourism. We tend to build products around certain individuals who have an idea and who want to do something; that way they have ownership and earn from the product too. It’s the local people you meet along the way that define your travelling experience, and people will never ever forget how you made them feel.

What advice would you give to travel agents and partners looking to stand out in today’s competitive industry?

Keep things real. Travellers today want experiences that line up with their values: authentic, transparent, and responsible. Today’s travellers are savvy; they want experiences that align with their values. By partnering with companies that prioritise purpose-driven travel, agents can differentiate themselves while building long-term trust. Be bold, embrace innovation, and don’t be afraid to shake up tradition.