Our story
The idea to start Detours was first envisioned in 2020, when the whole tourism industry suffered tremendously due to the pandemic.
Diana – the founder – who has been working in the travel sector for over a decade realized that Covid is a clear signal that we must change the way we design and operate tourism businesses.
A detour means a deviation, and our tours therefore deviate from the traditional model of sightseeing.
We believe that we have a responsibility towards the local communities and places we visit. Thus, we commit to offer experiences that leave a positive impact in our city. Our focus is thereby shifted from creating a growth in profits to creating a growth in value.
Our vision
Our vision is to use tourism as a force for good.
We start in Zürich, and we hope to inspire further change.
We look at our city and ask:
- How can we use tourism as a tool for supporting local community?
- How can our company create positive change?
- How can our tours address and help overcome challenges that we face in the world today?
Each detour is designed with these questions in mind.
"Tourism has the potential to become an agent of positive transformation that can contribute to a better quality of life for all". - Anna Pollock
Our goals
Raise awareness
- by putting a spotlight on local change-makers
- by emphasizing current topics that need our attention
Give back
- by supporting local projects and initiatives
Advocate for transparency
- by fully disclosing our price breakdowns to the public
