Our Goal is to Be Easily Accessible and Convenient to Help All Types of Travelers Find and Create Memorable, Unique, and Safe Travel Experiences: Ming Chen, CEO of KKDAY

KKday is the leading e-commerce travel platform that connects travelers with authentic local tours and activities. Founded in Taipei in 2014, the company has grown into one of Asia’s most trusted e-commerce travel platforms, offering travelers carefully curated tours and activities across the globe. The company believes that travel should be more than ticking off landmarks. It should be about exploring, connecting with local cultures, and creating moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Ming Chen, founder and CEO of KKday, was inspired to build the platform after noticing how many travelers struggled to find experiences beyond the typical tourist path. That frustration sparked a mission to make local adventures easy to find, reliable, and memorable through a single, accessible platform.

Finding Purpose in Travel

Speaking about the origins of KKday, Ming explained that the idea grew out of personal experiences as a traveler. He often found himself sifting through countless websites, uncertain reviews, and language barriers just to book an activity that truly captured the essence of a place. “Travelers want memories that go beyond the postcard,” he said. “But finding those hidden gems was always complicated. I wanted to solve that problem by creating a community where authentic experiences were easy to find and reliable to book.”

From the beginning, KKday positioned itself differently. Instead of focusing only on transportation or hotels, the platform zeroed in on the often-overlooked but most memorable part of any trip: activities and experiences. This clarity of focus helped the company grow quickly in markets across Asia, tapping into a demand that traditional booking platforms had overlooked.

Building a Marketplace of Authenticity

KKday operates as a bridge between travelers and local providers. On one side are travelers searching for immersive experiences. On the other side are local guides, artisans, and operators with deep knowledge of their communities. The platform connects them, creating a marketplace where authenticity thrives.

Ming shared that this dual approach has been the company’s strength. “We work closely with local operators to make sure their stories and expertise are at the center of what we offer. At the same time, we make booking seamless for travelers, removing uncertainty and ensuring quality. That balance keeps both sides of the marketplace engaged.”

From street food tours in Taipei to cultural workshops in Kyoto or adventure excursions in Thailand, KKday has expanded its catalog to thousands of activities. The company focuses on experiences that give travelers a sense of place rather than a checklist of tourist attractions.

Challenges Along the Way

Like many in the travel sector, KKday faced enormous challenges during the global pandemic. With borders closed and travel brought to a halt, the company had to rethink its strategy almost overnight. Instead of waiting for international tourism to recover, KKday turned inward, focusing on domestic travel markets.

Ming recalled those uncertain months. “The pandemic tested our resilience. But it also taught us to adapt quickly. We shifted to local activities, encouraged residents to rediscover their own cities, and supported local operators who suddenly had no international customers. That not only kept the business alive but deepened our commitment to supporting communities.”

This pivot allowed KKday to maintain relevance and even strengthen relationships with local providers. As international travel reopened, the platform was well positioned to grow again, this time with a stronger local foundation.

Technology With a Human Touch

Although KKday is powered by digital infrastructure, Ming has been clear that technology is only the enabler, not the end goal. The platform is designed to simplify discovery and booking while leaving space for human connection.

“Travelers don’t remember the interface of an app,” Ming said with a smile. “They remember the warmth of a guide who shares their favorite food stall or the pride of an artisan teaching a traditional craft. Our role is to make those encounters possible.”

This philosophy has guided how KKday invests in its platform. The company emphasizes ease of use, trustworthy reviews, and storytelling that highlights the cultural and emotional value of each experience.

Expanding Horizons

Today KKday serves millions of travelers across Asia and beyond. The company’s footprint stretches from Tokyo to Bangkok, with growing interest from Western travelers seeking access to authentic Asian experiences.

Ming sees opportunities not only in expanding the catalog of activities but also in deepening the quality of experiences offered. “We don’t just want to grow in numbers. We want to grow in meaning. That means working with more local communities, creating experiences that are sustainable, and ensuring travelers leave a positive impact wherever they go.”

The company has also been experimenting with new formats, blending online storytelling with offline experiences. Virtual previews, immersive content, and integrated customer support are part of the effort to help travelers feel confident before they arrive at their destination.

Staying True to the Mission

KKday’s mission remains unchanged from when it was founded: to make authentic experiences accessible. The journey from a small startup in Taipei to a leading e-commerce travel platform in Asia has been marked by challenges, adaptation, and innovation. But what drives the company is a belief that travel can transform the way people see the world and themselves.

For Ming, the impact goes beyond bookings and transactions. “Travel is not just about reaching a destination,” he reflected. “It is about living moments that stay with you long after you return home.

With that vision, KKday continues to build bridges between travelers and the countless local stories waiting to be shared.

Redefining Travel for the Future

The broader travel industry is shifting. Consumers increasingly value experiences over possessions, and younger travelers in particular want to spend their money on moments that feel genuine. KKday’s model fits squarely into this trend, and Ming believes the demand for authenticity will only grow.

“People don’t travel just to tick off landmarks anymore. They travel to feel something real, something that connects them to a place and its people,” he said. “That is where the future of travel lies, and that is where KKday will continue to focus.”

Ming Chen, Founder, Kkday

We know how difficult it is to create an unforgettable journey so we created this platform to make it easier for you to find the activity that best fits your upcoming trip.