Refly Travel Turns Setbacks Into Innovation

Refly Travel transformed adversity into opportunity, empowering independent travel advisors through technology, education, and a growing global network.

Jun 29, 2026

Few industries experienced a disruption as profound as travel during the global pandemic. For countless companies, the sudden halt in international movement marked the end of years of hard work. For Refly Travel, however, it became the beginning of an entirely different story. Rather than accepting defeat, the company used one of the most challenging periods in modern business history to rethink its purpose, redesign its business model, and emerge with a vision focused on empowering the next generation of travel entrepreneurs.

Today, Refly Travel has positioned itself as a technology focused B2B host agency serving independent travel advisors across the United States and Mexico. Led by CEO Raymond Zeitouni Saba, the company combines travel technology, supplier relationships, and educational resources to help advisors build scalable businesses while navigating an increasingly competitive industry.

In recognition of its innovation and impact, Refly Travel has been named the “Best Host Agency in Mexico of 2026,” an award announced on BestofBestReview.com, a prestigious and exclusive authority in the industry.

From Startup Vision To Business Reinvention

Refly's journey began in 2017 with a marketplace designed to help travelers resell unused airline tickets. According to the company, the concept attracted attention on Shark Tank Mexico, where the founders received support that helped accelerate early growth.

Then came 2020.

As international travel slowed dramatically, the business model that had fueled Refly's momentum faced unprecedented challenges. Like many companies connected to aviation, the startup confronted significant uncertainty. Instead of walking away, the leadership team spent the following years studying the changing travel landscape, listening to market needs, and identifying where they could create the greatest long term value.

That reflection led to a complete transformation.

On March 2, 2026, Refly Travel officially relaunched as a B2B host agency focused on supporting independent travel professionals with modern technology and business infrastructure.

Building Modern Tools For Modern Advisors

Many host agencies provide advisors with supplier access and operational support. Refly Travel sought to expand that model by investing in proprietary technology designed to simplify daily workflows.

The platform combines artificial intelligence powered itinerary creation, live booking capabilities, and access to a network of more than 10,000 travel suppliers and agents across international markets. The goal is to reduce administrative complexity so advisors can spend more time serving clients and growing their businesses.

"Most host agencies give you a login to 20 year old software and wish you luck. We built Refly because modern travel entrepreneurs deserve modern tools. By putting cutting edge automation directly into the hands of independent agents, we are removing hours of backend friction so they can focus entirely on what they do best, designing unforgettable experiences."

That philosophy reflects a broader shift within the travel industry, where technology increasingly supports independent professionals seeking efficiency without sacrificing personalized service.

Connecting Two Growing Travel Markets

Refly Travel also distinguishes itself through its cross border focus.

Founded in Mexico, the company is the first Mexican founded host agency, establishing a homegrown model that supports independent travel advisors while building connections between travel professionals in Mexico and the United States. Although several U.S. based host agencies operate and generate sales in Mexico, Refly was founded in Mexico with a mission to serve the market from within while expanding internationally.

By operating across both markets, Refly provides advisors with access to international supplier relationships while maintaining an understanding of the unique business environments and opportunities in each region.

This approach creates opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to serve clients across borders while benefiting from localized support, education, and technology.

Since its relaunch, the company reports welcoming more than 100 travel advisors into its academy and platform while generating approximately $500,000 in sales during its first months of operation. These early milestones reflect growing demand for technology enabled business solutions within the travel advisor community.

A Business Built On Resilience

Refly's evolution extends beyond technology. At its core, the company's story is one of resilience.

Many startups never recover from major market disruptions. Refly instead treated adversity as an opportunity to rebuild with greater clarity and purpose. Rather than returning to its previous model, the leadership team developed a business focused on helping independent entrepreneurs establish sustainable travel businesses supported by education, automation, and industry relationships.

That journey has become part of the company's identity. Instead of defining success solely through technology, Refly emphasizes empowering advisors to grow alongside an organization that continues adapting to the changing demands of global travel.

As the travel industry evolves, the company believes innovation will come from businesses willing to challenge traditional systems while remaining focused on the needs of the professionals they serve.

Explore Refly Travel

Travel professionals interested in learning more about Refly Travel can explore its technology platform and host agency services by visiting www.reflytravel.com/us.

Additional updates and company news are available on Instagram, while customer feedback can be found on TrustPilot. Media inquiries may be directed to admin@reflytravel.com, and the company can be reached by phone at +1 714 653 0735.

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