Tours & Activities

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PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the tours, activities and activities sector is produced in partnership with Arival, the essential resource for the in-destination experiences industry.

Attraction World Group looks to growth through acquisition by new investment company
News / Online
Attraction World Group looks to growth through acquisition by new investment company
By Linda Fox | October 9, 2023
Attraction World Group will use the investment for geographic expansion as well as technology investment and acquisitions. Read More
Instagram moments boosting importance of travel experiences
News / Online
Instagram moments boosting importance of travel experiences
By D.J. Catron | October 5, 2023
While experiences continue to gain importance in travel planning, factors such as limited online supply, weather and fixed pricing create disincentives to book far in advance.   Read More
Mews looks to boost hotel guest experiences with acquisition
News / Technology
Mews looks to boost hotel guest experiences with acquisition
By Derek Catron | October 4, 2023
Nomi Travel, a startup that uses AI to provide users with recommendations on local activities based on their interests, is the seventh acquisition by Mews.   Read More
Dharma raises $4.7M to scale marketplace for brand-led travel
News / Startups
Dharma raises $4.7M to scale marketplace for brand-led travel
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
Dharma’s most recent partnership is with Paramount Global to offer travel experiences linked to the company’s hit Netflix show, “Emily in Paris.” Read More
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
A panel of industry leaders selected travel personalization solution Legends as the winner of the competition while SquadTrip won the People's Choice Award. Read More
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
News / Startups
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2023
Founded in 2018, Rome-based BeSafe said it has insured more than 250,000 travelers and has a network of more than 1,600 customers, including hotels, tour operators and travel agencies. Read More
Two new distributors tap TourRadar's API to sell organized adventures
News / Online
Two new distributors tap TourRadar's API to sell organized adventures
By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2023
As experiences gain dominance in consumers' travel planning, LocalAdventures and Travlr are using TourRadar's API to offer thousands of options to their customers.  Read More
TravelLocal raises $10M Series B to accelerate international growth
News / Online
TravelLocal raises $10M Series B to accelerate international growth
By Mitra Sorrells | September 28, 2023
TravelLocal offers tailor-made holidays by connecting its clients with local experts in each destination, combining advice from vetted experts with the convenience of online booking. Read More
Despegar rolls out generative AI trip planner, starting in Argentina
News / Technology
Despegar rolls out generative AI trip planner, starting in Argentina
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2023
Travelers can use the planner to receive customized itineraries, put together packages that combine flights, accommodations and car rentals and receive recommendations of what to do in their... Read More
Amex Ventures makes strategic investment in travel risk platform Sensible Weather
News / Startups
Amex Ventures makes strategic investment in travel risk platform Sensible Weather
By Mitra Sorrells | September 25, 2023
Sensible Weather said the funding advances its goal to support travel, event and outdoor businesses in the face of growing weather uncertainty.   Read More
Paramount teams up with travel startup for "Emily in Paris" trips
News / Online
Paramount teams up with travel startup for "Emily in Paris" trips
By Morgan Hines | September 20, 2023
In this latest example of "set-jetting" initiatives, travel startup Dharma will manage the bookings, payments and guest experience for trips hosted by lifestyle influencers, called “Emileaders.” Read More
OCTO takes next step in simplifying connectivity for tours and activities stakeholders
News / Technology
OCTO takes next step in simplifying connectivity for tours and activities stakeholders
By Mitra Sorrells | September 19, 2023
The nonprofit is releasing its open source messaging specification and supporting documentation for the tour, activities and attractions industry.     Read More
How booking sites and travel agencies can maximize e-commerce profitability
From Our Partners / Online
How booking sites and travel agencies can maximize e-commerce profitability
By Carl Bleich - Bloomreach | September 18, 2023
Discover effective strategies for booking sites and agencies to maximize e-commerce profitability. Learn how to boost revenue through upsell campaigns, building customer loyalty and minimizing... Read More
Klook unveils AI tool, social media focused affiliate program
News / Technology
Klook unveils AI tool, social media focused affiliate program
By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WiT | September 11, 2023
Klook plans to integrate its K.AI trip planning tool into its Things to do activity page. The company also hopes its Kreator affiliate program will bring conversions via social media. Read More
Travel executive launches new marketplace for adventure travel
News / Startups
Travel executive launches new marketplace for adventure travel
By Derek Catron | September 11, 2023
Headed by Drew Patterson, formerly with Kayak, Jetsetter, Room 77 and Transparent, Thermal is a marketplace for booking unique surfing experiences all around the globe. Read More
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