Our Approach
Our Story
It all started with Competitours - Europe’s first (and only) Amazing-Race-Style trip. For over 10 years, Competitours, founded by Steve Belkin, has been taking travelers to Europe on 10-day, challenge-filled mystery adventures. As the 10 teams, of two people each, zig-zag the continent, the concept was to have them connect with the people and cultures of Western Europe, rather than simply taking selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum. After working with Belkin on a few (unrelated) projects, our own founder, Ari Charlestein, had an idea to expand this travel concept beyond the confines of Western Europe! And so, Etgar Travel was born; but Etgar Corporate Solutions is just one of the products we offer. We also run 7-10 day, consumer-focused, competition-style trips to Israel, and the United States.
Our Approach
Etgar USA was created to answer one question: How can we take a proven model that works in Europe, and use it to inspire better travel within the United States? Too often we see people coming to the States to spend two days in NY and a few days in DC. Then they do another two days in LA and a day or two in Vegas. That is not America! Sure, there’s fun and history in those places, but simply following the “standard tourist route” doesn’t do anyone any good. We wanted to introduce people to behind-the-scenes America, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. And for those of us who call the United States home, well, we’re as guilty as anyone! We often venture out to Europe or Asia before exploring our own backyards. We promise, just because you’re American does not mean you’ve seen what we’re offering. Give it a shot - we dare you.