30 Years of ViaVia: A global family of encounters

Thirty years ago, the very first ViaVia opened its doors in Heverlee, Belgium. What started as a bold idea from passionate Belgian Tourleaders has grown into a worldwide network of 15 travel cafés across four continents. Born from a desire to foster real human encounters while traveling, ViaVia has become a platform for hospitality, sustainability, and connection. Here’s a look back at three decades of ViaVia – and what the future holds.

From travel dream to global network

The idea of ViaVia was born at Joker, the Belgian travel organization known for its belief that travel is about connection, not just sightseeing. In the early 1990s, this vision led to the creation of a space where travellers and locals could meet spontaneously. The result was ViaVia: a welcoming place for conversation, travel tips, and something delicious to eat and drink.

Over the years, the concept evolved into a diverse global network. From an ecolodge in the Mongolian steppe to a boutique hotel in Kathmandu or a colourful hostel in Central America – every ViaVia is unique but shares a passion for world cuisine, art, music, and meaningful encounters, always with a local heart and a Belgian twist.

Giving your journey depth

Visiting a ViaVia adds depth to your travel experience. It’s a place where Joker travellers feel instantly at home. The teams are local experts who love to share their favourite hidden spots, and they offer tours and workshops that enrich your understanding of the destination.

But the impact goes even further: ViaVia creates jobs, supports local entrepreneurs, and runs social projects. In Honduras, for example, ViaVia Copán supports Nachos Para Todos, providing storybooks to rural children. Through initiatives like these, travellers give something meaningful back to the communities they visit.

What began with passion and friendship has grown into an international network employing over 400 people outside Belgium. Several ViaVia locations are now entirely managed by local teams – often by staff who grew into ownership. These strong bonds continue to thrive in close collaboration with Joker.

A pioneer story from YogYakarta

ViaVia Yogyakarta in Indonesia was the first café to open outside Belgium, back in 1995. The journey of this pioneering location is as inspiring as it is resilient. Over the years, the team has endured financial crises, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions — but nothing could have prepared them for the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tyas, the current restaurant manager, reflects on that difficult period:

“We were preparing to celebrate 25 years of ViaVia when the pandemic ruined everything. Losing colleagues was heartbreaking, and I almost gave up. But I forced myself to grow, adapt, and embrace change. That’s how I keep pushing my boundaries – and ViaVia still surprises me, even after 30 years. It’s truly an honour to be part of this family.”

Her story is a testament to the strength, flexibility, and deep human connection that lie at the heart of the ViaVia network.

Looking ahead

After years of expanding outside Europe, ViaVia is refocusing on Belgium. The goal: five Belgian locations, including upcoming sites in Ghent and Brussels. A new project in Genk – in partnership with artist Koen Vanmechelen and entrepreneur Angelo Bruno – will soon launch inside the King’s Nest, a hotel and restaurant run by ViaVia.

At the same time, international growth remains key. A shortlist of eight potential new locations has been created in close alignment with Joker and Anders Reizen. But ViaVia remains open to any opportunity that aligns with its mission: to build bridges, support entrepreneurship, and spark meaningful connections – anywhere in the world.

Exciting opportunity in ViaVia Bali Sanur

In early 2024, ViaVia Bali Sanur proudly opened as the latest addition to the global ViaVia network. With exciting growth opportunities ahead, manager Janti is seeking a dedicated partner to invest in and co-manage ViaVia Bali Sanur, to establish it as a model of impactful entrepreneurship in Bali.

Have you ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and embarking on a new adventure abroad? Imagine yoga on pristine beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, enjoying delicious food, and in the mean time fulfilling your ambition as an entrepreneur in hospitality and tourism with a positive impact? If this sounds like your dream, keep reading!

ViaVia Bali Sanur is quickly becoming a popular spot in Sanur, Bali. As a sister location to ViaVia Yogyakarta, one of our longest-standing venues, set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025, the current management team is overseeing both locations. However, with the demands growing, we are now seeking an additional manager who can dedicate their full attention to ViaVia Bali Sanur.

Sanur, located in southern Bali, is a lively town and a key hub for travelers heading to the nearby Nusa Penida. This makes it an ideal location for a manager looking to run a business in a dynamic, opportunity-filled environment.

ViaVia Bali Sanur is a unique and trendy spot where sustainability meets culinary excellence. They offer wholesome breakfasts, a wide array of world tapas and your favourite spaghetti ViaVia in the garden restaurant. You can also enjoy smoothies, slow pressed juices and cocktails in the funky bar area. What sets ViaVia apart is not just its diverse menu, but its commitment to sustainability. From locally-sourced ingredients to eco-friendly practices, sustainability is woven into the fabric of ViaVia’s ethos, ensuring that every dish served leaves a minimal footprint on the planet.

ViaVia Bali Sanur also offers workshops and tours to explore hidden gems beyond the tourist hotspots, discovering a captivating blend of tradition, contemporary life and opportunities for authentic experiences that go beyond the surface. Read all about it on their website!

This place is looking for an extra manager, ideally with the possibilities to invest, with some experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, to further establish ViaVia Bali Sanur as a reference spot for both locals and travellers regarding sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Something for you or do you know someone who wants to take on the challenge? Spread the word or contact us at info@viavia.world!

ViaVia Marrakech Helps

Friday, Sept. 8, Morocco was rocked by a violent earthquake in the Atlas Mountains. ViaVia Marrakech fortunately did not suffer any damage itself but the suffering in the vicinity of the epicenter is enormous. Lotte and Rachid therefore set up the “ViaVia Marrakech Helps” fund to support victims of the earthquake.

ViaVia Marrakech is very touched by the heartwarming messages and support, both from home and abroad, for their community. They established the “ViaVia Marrakech Helps” fund to help earthquake victims, now for emergency aid and later for reconstruction.

You can help by making a donation to the earthquake solidarity fund at BE71 7360 1995 3469 (Joker ViaVia Project fund) with the message “ViaVia Marrakech Helps.” Donations over 40 euros are tax deductible. You can find more info about this on the Joker website. With the money raised, emergency aid is currently being provided for the hardest hit regions in the mountains. Also in the coming weeks and months funds are necessary for rebuilding houses and schools, repairing fields and purchasing equipment for small businesses. All investments are made in consultation with ViaVia Marrakech and our local network of guides and organizations.

Earlier this week, tents from Joker, Anders Reizen and Bootz also left for the Atlas Mountains. These are going to people who lost their homes in the earthquake, so they still have some protection during the night.

How can you still help?

  • Visit Morocco. Above all, let your planned trip go ahead. Adjust the itinerary if necessary but don’t stay away. Many affected families are supported by their families in Marrakech who work in the tourism and hospitality sector.
  • Donate materials. Warm clothes, sleeping bags, rain gear, sanitary products, baby stuff, … You can take it to ViaVia Marrakech, they will collect and deliver it to the people who need it.
  • Please spread this info. By sharing this solidarity action, we can raise more donations and help more victims.

ViaVia Valparaiso is looking for a new manager

Since 2010, our Chilean ViaVia has been operating in a beautiful Art Deco building in downtown Valparaiso. This cozy hotel with restaurant is ready for a fresh start with new managers. Sounds interesting? Then be sure to continue reading!

Valparaiso is a nice and cosy city located near the Pacific Ocean, 100 km from Chile’s capital Santiago. A lot of international tourists visit the city, but it also attracts a lot of day-trippers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Santiago.
During the corona crisis, the current managers returned to Belgium and their lives took a new turn. However, the ViaVia has always remained occupied and is thus well maintained and fully move-in ready. Now it is time to breathe new life into the beautiful story of ViaVia Valparaiso. Therefore, we are looking for new owners with lots of enthusiasm to continue the ViaVia story in Valparaiso.

We are looking for (ideally) a cool duo with a feeling for Belgium and Chile, Spanish- and Dutch-speaking, with some experience in the hospitality industry. The possibilities in ViaVia Valparaiso are great, the hotel has 6 spacious rooms and there is room for a bar and restaurant. From the terrace you have a beautiful view over the city and the bay. Something for you or do you know someone who wants to take on the challenge? Spread the word or contact us at info@viavia.world!