Maties Travel was founded in 1978, when former bank manager, Matie Geldenhuys, purchased a travel office in Stellenbosch. He and his wife, Benny, had a passion for travel and for people. Maties Travel became well known for their exclusive Maties Escorted Tours, which are still impacting the touring industry today, after more than 30 years. Three years later, in 1981, Matie & Benny opened a second office in the Strand. Maties Travel soon grew to 7 offices, of which 4 were in Corporate In-house premises.

Tourvest acquired this family owned business in 2003, and continued the tradition of personal service to the Winelands clientele. Transportation group Imperial Holdings Limited held 62% in Tourvest. Tourvest was listed in the hotel and leisure sector of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

In 2008 A consortium led by Guma Tourism, a black owned company, acquired all of the share capital of Tourvest, following Imperial Limited's decision to sell its 62% shareholding stake in Tourvest. Tourvest delisted from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. View our ownership structure here.