David Gavaľa from CK DAKA: They started with a single trip to Paris, today they have a million-dollar business
Why did they decide to venture into one of the most competitive industries? How did CK DAKA manage to grow even in times of crisis? And what goals do they have for the future? David Gavaľa, CEO of CK DAKA, revealed this to us in the latest episode of the Biznislab podcast.
In 2013, a new travel agency, DAKA, entered the tourism market. At a time when the market was already occupied by large established players, David Gavaľa and his wife decided to build their own brand based on affordable tours. They started with a single bus trip to Paris, and today they transport tens of thousands of clients annually.
Why did they decide to venture into one of the most competitive industries? How did CK DAKA manage to grow even in times of crisis? And what are their goals for the future? David Gavaľa, CEO of CK DAKA, revealed this to us in the latest episode of the Biznislab podcast.
From Discount Portal to Own Travel Agency
The story of CK DAKA was not written in the traditional way. Initially, they did not organize their own tours – they sold stays of other travel agencies through the discount portal MoreZliav. However, in 2012, two factors came together: repeated problems with business partners (travel agencies) whose tours they sold, and the market indicated a decline in interest in discount portals, so they decided to "take matters into their own hands."
"One day we said to ourselves – why not sell our own tours? And so we created our first offer - a five-day bus tour to Paris. And we sold it out." recalls David Gavaľa.
That was just the beginning. Every year they added new destinations, expanded their offer, and gradually transformed CK DAKA into one of the most significant players on the market.
From Living Room to a Fleet of 35 Buses
David Gavaľa and his wife literally started from their living room. "Back then, we had no idea what a huge business it would grow into."
The biggest breakthrough came when they decided to buy their own bus. This gave them full control over the quality of services, which was one of the things that the transporters at the time could not guarantee. "At first, everyone looked at me like I was crazy. A bus at that time cost around 250,000 euros. Today, a new one costs up to 350,000 and a double-decker even 550,000 euros. But we took the risk, and it paid off."
Today, CK DAKA owns 35 modern buses, including one double-decker, and they continue to invest in the latest models and fully equipped models.
Always Think One Step Ahead
Doing business in tourism means facing unpredictable challenges, but the biggest test came in 2020 – COVID-19. When travel around the world came to a halt, CK DAKA had to find ways to keep the company afloat.
Instead of waiting, they looked for opportunities - they started producing masks and a little later began operating mobile testing sites (MoM) in parked buses, which had no use during the lockdown. Meanwhile, despite the market crisis, they invested in new buses, which could be bought at more favorable prices at that time.
"We became a travel agency that sewed masks and tested Slovakia. It may not sound like a travel business, but it helped us prepare the company for the return of travel, keep the company afloat, and not lay off a single person." recalls David Gavaľa.
However, there were also hard lessons. Some decisions were made too impulsively. "I stopped mask production too late. Today we have 150,000 pieces in stock and don't know what to do with them. It was similar with tests – we bought too many."
Tips and Commentary by Daniela Marušková:
David is a typical visionary, whom you might have in your company or you might be yourself. Do you have the talent to predict trends and business potential, understand market changes before others, and a light bulb goes off in your head every time you come up with a new amazing idea? Congratulations, you have the same gift as David, and maybe even Dalibor Cicman from Gymbeam. CK DAKA undoubtedly grew thanks to the mentioned qualities of the founder, which ensured that they were always where there was not only declared potential but also real demand. Enthusiasm, intuition, and speed are essential in business, but I add in the same breath that a visionary should have a counterpart in the form of a rational and analytical manager in the company's leadership.
How to Manage a Company with 180 Employees?
With rapid growth come new challenges. How to effectively coordinate a team of 180 employees, 12 branches, and an ever-growing number of tours? This is where the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) played a key role, bringing clear structure and effective management to the company.
"We finally have regular meetings, clearly set responsibilities, and long-term goals. We know where we are going, and everyone in the company has a clear vision of how we will get there together," explains David Gavaľa.
This system introduced strategic planning – the company has set ten-year, three-year, annual, and quarterly goals, with each step leading to the main goal: to become the largest travel agency in Slovakia in terms of the number of transported clients by 2033.
EOS also helped improve service quality. The travel agency uses an IDS system, which helps identify problems and systematically solve them. "We break down each problem into small steps and gradually eliminate it. Thanks to this, we move forward much faster," adds Gavaľa.
What Sets CK DAKA Apart from the Competition?
What has earned CK DAKA nearly 200,000 clients? Gavaľa talks about three key factors:
1. Top Guides and Drivers – the quality of tours stands and falls on people. Every guide undergoes a strict evaluation.
2. Modern Bus Fleet – the travel agency invests in new buses with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a welcome drink for every traveler.
3. Strong Community of Fans – CK DAKA has a Facebook group "BaDAKAtelia" for loyal clients who love to share their experiences.
"Our tours are an experience – and that's why customers keep coming back to us. We have clients who have traveled with us 36 times."
Future and Expansion of CK DAKA
CK DAKA has a clear goal for the coming years – to become the largest travel agency in Slovakia in terms of the number of transported clients. In addition to growth in the bus tour segment, they are increasingly focusing on air holidays to destinations such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, and others. "Our potential is still not fully utilized. We still have free capacities – especially in the B2B segment. We are looking for companies that need transportation or tailor-made tours."
And what did David Gavaľa recommend at the end of the podcast?
- Podcasts and Business Communities – Member of Do Naha or BNI Select for networking and education.
- Practical Education – Studying MBA and constantly monitoring trends.
- Experience in Practice – "Real situations and my own mistakes push me the most. Every problem is just another opportunity for improvement."
The story of CK DAKA shows that determination and quick responses to challenges can create a successful brand.
