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.

News / Online

Trip.com unveils Trekki NFT to unite travel and Web3

By Linda Fox | June 5, 2023

Later this year the Singapore-based brand plans to sell 10,000 dolphin-themed NFTs, with its benefits tied to how much the token holder travels. Read More

News / Technology

Capital One acquires digital concierge, Velocity Black

By Derek Catron | June 2, 2023

Capital One is enhancing its travel offerings with the acquisition of Velocity Black. Read More

News / Online

GetYourGuide nabs $194M for global expansion, more AI development

By Mitra Sorrells | June 1, 2023

Along with a newly-launched ChatGPT plugin, GetYourGuide is exploring a variety of use cases for generative AI to help travelers, supply partners and its internal operations. Read More

News / Startups

Atly plots mapping platform updates with $18M investment

By Linda Fox | May 31, 2023

Investment in the Israel-based company has come from Target Global, Tal Ventures and FKA Brands. Read More

News / Online

Google unveils generative AI boost to search

By Linda Fox | May 24, 2023

During its Google Marketing Live event this week the company shared a number of updates including an example of how its search generative experience could work. Read More

News / Online

Getting ahead of Chinese traveler trends and behavior

By Linda Fox | May 24, 2023

The reopening of China at the beginning of the year resulted in an immediate booking spike. Now new traveler behaviors, especially around mobile apps, are being observed. Read More

News / Online

Is pent-up travel demand at an end? It depends

By Johanna Jainchill – Travel Weekly | May 24, 2023

Analyses from Mastercard and Bank of America found the answer varies by travel segment and could depend on the labor market and other factors. Read More

News / Online

5 things to know about the travel experiences market

By Phocuswright Research | May 19, 2023

Travel experiences remain highly popular, but changing regulation, policy and consumer demands in challenging environments have reshaped the market. Read More

News / Online

Boats in Mykonos? Uber expands travel options

By Derek Catron | May 18, 2023

The ride-hailing company’s third annual Go-GET product event announced a couple of travel-focused updates, including concierge service at partner hotels and boat reservations on a Greek island. Read More

News / Technology

Blackstone to sell interest in travel tech’s IBS Software

By Derek Catron | May 16, 2023

The private equity giant invested $170 million for a minority stake in IBS Software in 2015. It’s agreed to sell its interests to Apax Partners for about $450 million. Read More

News / Startups

Startups selected for first round of Global Startup Pitch

By PhocusWire | May 15, 2023

The judging criteria applied to the startups throughout the competition include viability, customer appeal, technical innovation, sustainability, team and the X factor. Read More

News / Online

Today’s demand won’t define tomorrow’s travelers

By Derek Catron | May 11, 2023

A panel at Hotelbeds’ MarketHub Americas conference discussed why strong consumer appetite for travel doesn’t relieve industry leaders from preparing for a more sustainable future. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: CalmGetaways helps users book wellness travel

By Mitra Sorrells | May 9, 2023

Along with self-service search, users can fill out a form with their interests to receive customized recommendations from CalmGetaways. Read More

News / Technology

How ChatGPT levels the playing field for travel companies

By Derek Catron | May 4, 2023

ChatGPT’s relative simplicity has benefited travel companies ranging in size from Expedia to Sailsquare, an Italy-based sailing cruise marketplace that used the tool to monitor communications on its... Read More