Mika Itävaara – Founder & CEO, Discovery DMC
Mika Itävaara is a visionary entrepreneur and luxury travel specialist with deep expertise in crafting bespoke journeys across Southeast Asia and beyond. As the Founder and CEO of Discovery DMC, he has built a premier destination management company renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, insider access, and unparalleled luxury experiences tailored to high-net-worth travellers and discerning travel agencies worldwide.
With a career spanning over a decade in the travel and hospitality industry, Mika combines operational expertise with a creative flair, curating journeys that seamlessly blend cultural immersion, wellness, adventure, and exclusivity. He is personally involved in site inspections, supplier negotiations, and itinerary design, ensuring that every experience meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
Mika is recognized for his forward-thinking approach, integrating technology, storytelling, and sustainability into luxury travel, while maintaining a boutique, high-touch service philosophy. His extensive network of global partners, local insiders, and cultural experts allows him to offer clients experiences that are both transformative and exclusive.
Beyond business, Mika is an avid traveller and content creator, blending his personal experiences with professional insights to inspire others to explore the world with curiosity and purpose.
Countries Visited
70+ countries
Favourite Destinations
Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SOUTHEAST ASIA AND BEYOND WITH US
We are a team of local and expatriate destination specialists, passionate about curating unique, high-quality travel experiences across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Discovery DMC is a full-service destination management company providing bespoke services to tour operators, travel agents, wholesalers and corporate clients. Our headquarters are in Thailand, with representative offices in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan. Led by senior Nordic management with over 25 years of tour operations experience, Discovery DMC is recognized for delivering reliable, sustainable, and responsible travel, backed by exceptional customer care.
What We Do – Bespoke Travel & Unique Journeys
Our curated experiences are a reflection of our passion for travel and sharing our favourite destinations with our clients. Discovery DMC crafts immersive journeys that reveal the authentic charm, culture, and landscapes of each country we operate in. Whether through private excursions, cultural interactions, or exclusive access, we create journeys that transform a holiday into an unforgettable experience.
THE DIFFERENCE – Why Travel With Us
Customised to Perfection
Every journey is tailored to your personal preferences. Share your wishes and expectations, and our travel experts will craft a beautiful proposal with options for you to select from.
Direct Access & Trusted Expertise
Work directly with senior destination experts and a reputable boutique tour operator. Our management has hosted ministers, ambassadors, CEOs, and high-level guests across Southeast Asia and beyond. You will benefit from the guidance of professionals with decades of regional experience.
Insider Access
Gain deeper insights and amplified experiences with exclusive access to private venues, unique locations, and opportunities to meet local experts. Our network allows you to discover hidden corners and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Top Guides
We select only the finest guides, ensuring your journey is expertly led, informative, and inspiring.
Flexible Payments
We support global banking and can accept payments in multiple currencies and methods, making planning simple and convenient.
Technology for Travel
Stay effortlessly connected through our personalized travel app, which stores all essential trip information—including guides, drivers, contacts, hotel vouchers, and flight e-tickets. Any updates or changes to your itinerary are synced in real time.
Fair Trade & Excellent Value
Quality and satisfaction are our priorities. While we are not the cheapest operator, we provide excellent value without compromising the experience. If you receive a lower offer elsewhere, our experts will help you understand the differences and can explore options to match or improve the value while preserving quality.
Responsible Travel
We ensure fair pay for our staff and guides, independent of commissions or tips, and prioritize long-term relationships with ethical suppliers over cutting costs. By investing in local communities, we deliver a positive impact wherever we operate.
Tackling Climate Change
Discovery DMC takes climate responsibility seriously. From office sustainability practices to supplier selection and environmental education, we are committed to minimizing our footprint. We have recently included an offset program for the carbon footprint of all travellers, making your journey more sustainable by default.
Join us on a journey across Southeast Asia and beyond—where luxury, culture, adventure, and responsible travel come together for experiences that linger long after the trip ends.
Discovery Dmc - Unique Journeys Terms and Conditions
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (FIT)
Unless otherwise stated and agreed, Discovery DMC Co. Ltd. (referred to in this agreement as “We” “Discovery” and “The company”) along with its agents and/or customers (herein referred to as the “client”, “agent” and/or “customer”) agree on the terms and conditions as rendered by Discovery DMC, whether an individual service or multiple-service basis. All products and services offered by the company shall be governed by the Terms and Conditions and booking policy to form a partial or entire service contract, whether written or verbal.
PROPOSALS
Any prices quoted to the client are proposals only. Please note that no reservation has been made yet at this stage.
RATES & VALIDITY
All of the prices quoted by Discovery DMC are quoted net in USD (United States Dollar) at the current exchange rate or in other currencies as specified in our quotation. All prices are valid according to the dates mentioned in the validity of our programs. Discovery DMC warrants that the prices or rates quoted to the Client/Agent are correct at the time of issuance or invoice. However, a very strong and continuous increase in demand may lead to price increases of most suppliers and services for several months. This concerns the accommodation but also transport (air, land, rail and boats), restaurants, guides, entrance fees and taxes visits. These increases may occur without notice, effective immediately. We reserve the right to adjust rates or prices should costs from suppliers increase due to inflation, currency depreciation and fuel surcharges or any other events that are outside of our company’s control. A surcharge might apply for peak season dates (New Year Festivals, Christmas and other public holidays etc.). Please contact us for further details in terms of specific dates.
DEPOSIT
Due to the increasing demand and shortage of supply during peak months most hotels and other local suppliers request deposits upon confirmation of the tour to guarantee the booked services. These deposits are non-refundable and supersede our cancellation policy. Therefore, a non-refundable deposit of 30% of your total trip cost, and full balance of airfare to issue tickets (when booked through us), is required from the client to secure the booking and is due upon confirmation of the tour. The balance will need to be paid at least 60 days before the departure date, unless otherwise agreed by management. If the full amount has not been received by this time, we reserve the right to cancel all bookings. Bookings made within 60 days of the departure date must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
PAYMENT METHOD
Unless otherwise agreed by Discovery DMC, client’s payment shall be executed by bank transfer, to the Discovery DMC’s or Discovery DMC’s bank accounts clearly noted in all the invoices. Every party shall take care of the bank transfer fees occurring with its according bank.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
- Cancellation more than 65 days prior to arrival: No cancellation fee. Deposit will be forfeited.
- Cancellation between 64th & 45th day prior to arrival: 15% of the total tour price & deposit will be forfeited.
- Cancellation between the 44th & 31st day prior to arrival: 25% of the total tour price & deposit will be forfeited.
- Cancellation between the 30th & 23rd day prior to arrival: 75% of the total tour price will be charged
- Cancellation between the 22nd & 16th day prior to arrival: 90% of the total tour price will be charged
- Cancellation less than 15 days prior to arrival: 100% of the total tour price will be charged. No refunds.
- No show: 100% of the total tour price will be charged. No refunds.
- In case the tour participant shortens or interrupts the tour on his own account there will be no reimbursements.
- The cancellation fees could be reimbursed by the insurance company if you are insured in the event of justified cancellation (especially illness, accident, death, etc.).
- If Discovery DMC is forced to cancel the departure due to unforeseeable reasons, the participants will be fully reimbursed without intention to claim for any indemnities.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Discovery DMC reserves the right to change these cancellation conditions depending on airlines, hotels and cruises’ cancellation policies. We will inform you in writing in case the above conditions need to be modified.
LIABILITY
Discovery DMC strives to undertake everything reasonably possible to provide the best service to its clients. It must be noted that Discovery DMC serves as an intermediary and/or agent for airlines, hotels, transport operators and various regional tourism services suppliers that make up a tour package. The company will not be held liable for any loss, damage or additional expense that the client may experience. Additional expenses or loss relating to delay, accidents, natural disasters, political unrest are the responsibility solely of the client. By participating any tour with Discovery DMC, the client accepts that programs, services, prices and conditions are current at the time of printing and therefore subject to change without any prior notice.
Participation in any tour offered by the company implies that the client has agreed to all terms and conditions as set out in this document. Discovery DMC shall not be liable for any damage caused whatsoever to the client by the failure to perform the contract or to alter the terms of the contract where failure and improper performance is not the fault of Discovery DMC due to the following reasons:
- the failure in the performance of the contract is attributable to the client; or
- the failure is attributable to a third party that is not associated with the provision of the products or services contracted for and are unforeseeable or unavoidable; or the failure is due to Major Force.
CLAIMS
Any disputes, litigation and claims regarding the services between the client and Discovery DMC shall be settled first and foremost by the way of negotiation and through mutual understanding between the two parties. If such practices fail, any disputes, claims or litigation will be settled by local arbitration in Thailand. All claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days following the completion of services offered by Discovery DMC. The client accepts full and unconditional acceptance of the Terms and Conditions outlined in this agreement by participating on any tour with Discovery DMC.
COMPLAINTS
If the client wishes to submit a complaint in-regards to a holiday or tour, the first step is to bring the matter forward with their representative or guide at the site. Notwithstanding this, the client can notify the company within 30 days upon returning to his/her port of departure and submit a complaint to Discovery DMC in writing. Any complaint received after 30 days will not be dealt with.
ALTERNATION TO ITINERARIES
Itineraries and tours featured on our website and publications and operated by the company are a recommended as a suggestion only. Although it is unlikely that changes will be made to travel plans of a tour, due to unforeseen circumstances, Discovery DMC reserves the right to alter or change a travel itinerary at any time. Most changes made by the company are minor, and the company will endeavour to inform the client at the earliest possible time. If a major change is necessary, alternate travel arrangements will be sent to the client’s last known address, detailing the proposed changes. If changes to an itinerary are known prior to the date of departure, the client will have the choice:
- Accepting the proposed changes
- Taking another choice of tour with Discovery DMC (of equal or lesser value)
- Cancelling the tour and receiving a refund. Non-refundable deposits paid cannot be reimbursed.
For changes to travel itineraries after departure, the company reserves the right to alter or change travel plans without payment of compensation or a refund if it is in the client’s best interest to do so. Compensation, full or partial refund will not be offered if the company is forced to cancel any tour due to major force (such as war, civil strife, political unrest, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural disaster, epidemics and disease outbreaks, fire, adverse weather and/or material or external circumstances beyond the company’s control).
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Clients with special requests, (e.g. non-smoking room, etc) should contact Discovery DMC in writing at the time of booking. The company will aim to fulfil all reasonable requests, but special requests cannot be guaranteed and do not form part of the contract. Discovery DMC will not be held liable for failing to comply with any special requests.
HOTEL RATING SYSTEM
Each of our countries tourism rating systems vary and is based on a different set of standards and regulations from most travel associations. Therefore we have provided our ratings as well which we feel are more in-line with international systems.
MEALS
In most instances, Breakfast (B) is served in hotels in the main cities. Some of the hotels or guesthouses may not provide breakfast, and therefore a meal will be provided in local restaurants. If Full or Half board is referred to in the tour price, lunch (L) and/or dinner (D) will be offered in either hotels or appropriate local restaurants. Please note that evening restaurant transfers are subject to an overtime surcharge unless the dinner is included in the confirmed itinerary.
FLIGHT CANCELLATION & DELAYS
Discovery DMC takes no responsibility for travel arrangements as a result of flight cancelation, delay or postponement for any reason. In such an event, the company will always try to assist as much as possible.
TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT
Discovery DMC reserves the right to end, cancel or terminate the contract if the client demonstrates a behaviour, manner, conduct and/or action either during or prior to a tour that is likely to cause offence to other clients, endanger the property, well-being or safety and/or benefits of the other clients or of the client himself/herself. In such instances, the client shall be subject to the company’s cancellation policy and the company will take no further liability or association with the client. If the conduct, behaviour and/or action of the client cause any damage to the accommodation where the client is staying, or causes delay or diversion to any form of transportation and/or the Tour, the client agrees to offer full indemnity to Discovery DMC against any claim. These may include legal costs made against the company by or on behalf of any third party.
INSURANCE
Discovery DMC strongly recommends that all clients find a comprehensive travel insurance policy that offers a high level of cover for the full duration of the tour. Travel insurance is advised to cover personal injury, medical expenses, costs associated with repatriation to home country, compensation for loss of luggage, and expenses associated with the cancellation, postponement, or delay of a tour. The client acknowledges that in the event of injury or illness, all doctors’ fees, hospital costs, and repatriation expenses are the responsibility of the client and the company will in no way be responsible or liable for the refund of the tour cost. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure they are receiving an adequate level of insurance cover and to read the full terms and conditions of their travel insurance prior to travel.
