Welcome Pickups is pleased to announce the launch of 6 new destinations: Curacao, Antigua, San Francisco, Brisbane, Manila and Baku.

Athens, Greece – September 12, 2023: Welcome Pickups surpasses 150 destinations as it announces the start of operations in 6 enchanting new destinations. Following the company’s success in popular cities such as New York, Miami and Orlando, Welcome is excited to bring its personalised services to San Francisco, marking its 5th destination in the United States. San Francisco’s tourism industry is making progress, with hotel revenue increasing by 30% year-to-date compared to the previous year and anticipated visitor volume for 2023 set to reach 23.3 million. Known for its eclectic neighbourhoods, cable cars, iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, and colourful culinary scene, the city attracts leisure and business travellers, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

Furthermore, Welcome is now offering its premium transfer services in not one but two stunning Caribbean locations, the first of which is Curaçao, Welcome’s 7th Caribbean destination. The island’s tourism industry has seen remarkable recovery since Covid-19, with Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) reporting a 101% year-over-year increase in passenger traffic compared to 2019, indicating a strong resurgence in visitor interest. As the island expands its accommodation options, including new Marriott and Hilton properties, 2023 promises even more growth for this spectacular destination. Curaçao’s allure lies in its exceptional diving spots, serene beaches, and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Willemstad with its pastel-coloured buildings. Additionally, the popular island of Antigua becomes Welcome’s 8th destination in the Caribbean. In the first seven months of 2023, Antigua and Barbuda experienced an impressive 14.4% surge in visitors, welcoming 176,355 travellers. Antigua, one of the two main islands forming the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, boasts pristine pink and white-sand beaches, historic treasures like Nelson’s Dockyard, and breathtaking viewpoints. With a diverse range of activities, from relaxing on secluded coves to hiking up to Shirley Heights, travellers are sure to experience the warmth of its people and the beauty of its coastline.

This week also marks Welcome’s debut on the continent of Oceania, as the company launches in Brisbane, Australia. Brisbane Airport’s recent statistics paint a promising picture, with over 20 million passengers passing through in the 2022-23 financial year, an 84% recovery from pre-COVID levels. Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, is an exciting city on the picturesque Brisbane River, offering a blend of cultural attractions such as the Queensland Museum and Gallery of Modern Art, alongside natural wonders like Mt. Coot-tha and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Moreover, expansion plans extend further afield to Asia, as Welcome introduces its world-class transfer services to Manila, its 1st destination in the Philippines. The capital city of the Philippines stands as the nation’s foremost international tourist hub and is making headway this year, as the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported a 78% rise in passenger numbers from January to June 2023. This fantastic city blends Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers, featuring historic sites like San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. Manila’s vibrant culture is showcased through museums, galleries, and a lively nightlife, making it a must-visit destination for creatives and culture buffs.

Finally, Welcome is thrilled to announce its arrival in Baku, the company’s 1st destination in Azerbaijan. Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport experienced a 1.5-fold increase in passenger traffic in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year, hosting over 2.4 million visitors. The city, known for its medieval old town, modern landmarks like the iconic Flame Towers, and its sweeping Caspian Sea coastline, attracts a variety of travellers. From history enthusiasts exploring its ancient roots to business professionals thriving in its bustling economic sector, the City of Winds offers something for everyone.

Welcome Pickups’ automated transfer solution is designed to seamlessly enhance the services offered by hotels, affiliates, vacation rental managers, and travel agencies. By choosing Welcome as your partner, you’ll provide exceptional customer experiences whilst boosting your revenue and staying ahead in the competitive travel industry. 

Join a community of over 2000 travel partners and reap the benefits of Welcome Pickups’ personalised transfer services, carefully crafted private tours, knowledgeable English-speaking drivers, and round-the-clock customer support. You can book a demo to discover the details and find out why Welcome Pickups is the preferred choice for hospitality and travel businesses across the globe.

About Welcome Pickups

Founded in 2015 in Athens, Greece, Welcome Pickups is a VC-backed travel/tech startup that has transformed simple airport pickups into value-driven travel experiences. As the company continues to grow and scale its operations to significant destinations globally, Welcome is quickly becoming a global category leader for in-destination travel services.

• One of the highest-rated global transportation companies, rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot and other top review platforms.
• 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner for Transportation.
• 150 destinations in 70 countries – with goals to reach 400 by 2024 EOY.
• Over 2,000 travel partners – adding 50+ new ones to its portfolio monthly.
• Over 1.5 million happy travellers every year.