The IPBN is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland under the ESP Grant programme |
Renato Calvão's journey into the tourism industry started with a vision to make travel more meaningful and accessible. According to the entrepreneur himself, "I began with a private transportation company for tourists in Portugal. Over time, I realized the need for a more comprehensive platform that could offer transportation along with a wide variety of local experiences. That’s how SEE Countries was born—a cutting-edge tech platform that connects travelers to unique experiences, from cultural tours to wellness treatments or tickets to events."
Along with his current goal of humanizing and decentralizing travel and inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic beauty of Portugal, Renato has his sights set on expanding the platform to other countries around the globe. Furthermore, he remains deeply engaged in exploring disruptive opportunities within the startup ecosystem, always on the lookout for innovative ideas that align with his vision for the future.
As a driven entrepreneur, Renato's key strengths lie in strategic thinking, marketing, and leadership. He told the IPBN, "I’ve developed skills in digital platform management, content creation, and customer engagement, which are vital for running a business in the tourism sector. My experience as an influencer has also sharpened my ability to connect with diverse audiences and create compelling narratives that resonate. Additionally, my adaptability and commitment to continuous learning ensure that I stay ahead in a competitive and evolving industry."
Renato's primary focus is on positioning SEE Countries as a leader in the Portuguese market, ensuring his platform becomes the go-to choice for travelers seeking unique and authentic experiences. Once he and his team establish this foundation, their next step will be to expand into European markets, aiming to scale globally.
"We’re continuously enhancing the technological capabilities of SEE Countries to provide unparalleled value to our users," Renato said. "This includes the integration of AI for personalized recommendations, offering cryptocurrency payment options, real-time geolocation for seamless navigation, and even medical assistance services for our clients to ensure a safe and worry-free journey."
Essentially, his message is simple: travel should be more than just visiting places—it should be about connecting with cultures, people, and unique moments. SEE Countries exists to bridge the gap between travelers and authentic experiences, promoting humanized and decentralized tourism, and Rentao's message to the network is precisely aligned with this goal.
He told the IPBN, "To entrepreneurs and investors, I invite you to join me in scaling this vision globally. Together, we can transform the travel industry, making it more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable while creating unforgettable journeys for people around the world. Beyond this, I want to highlight the value of collaboration and the power of timing in entrepreneurship."
The best opportunities often come from unexpected places, and building meaningful synergies with others can be the catalyst for great ideas to become even greater realities. Surrounding yourself with driven, visionary individuals not only accelerates your journey but also enriches it, so the IPBN invites its members to reach out. Renato put it best when he said, "To me, entrepreneurship is about being ready to act when opportunities arise and recognizing the potential in every connection. It’s through these shared efforts that we create lasting impact, not just for our businesses but for the broader ecosystem we’re a part of."