An Experiences Economy Venture Fund on the Outlook for Travel Experiences

Managing Partner of FMZ Ventures Michael Zeisser reveals why he’s so invested in the experience economy, and what he believes is on the horizon for the sector’s economic future

by | 2 December 2022

What is it about experiences that makes the tours, activities and attractions sector so… well, attractive?

For one investor at least, it’s about so much more than money. Michael Zeisser is very active in the experiences space, currently serving on the board of directors for multiple companies in the experience sector including GetYourGuide, Fever, and Atlas Obscura, and is the Managing Partner of the only investment firm that is entirely focused on the experience economy, FMZ Ventures. 

Recently at Arival 360 | Las Vegas, Zeisser sat down with Arival Co-founder and COO Bruce Rosard to share why he’s so invested in experiences, and it goes deeper than simply the growth opportunities the sector presents: 

“I am very bullish on the experience economy, I actually do believe that it is emerging as a new economic sector in its own right,” says Zeisser. “It’s only beginning to be recognized that experiences are a distinct economic offering just like services were many many years ago and products were before then.”

“I believe that now is a time when both the technologies enable the commercialization of experiences in a way which was never possible,” says Zeisser.

The draw of the experience economy is about more than simply recognizing a promising investment opportunity for Zeisser: it’s about meaning. “The quest that I think many of us as humans have for more meaning and more purpose in what we do,” shares Zeisser, “those very profound human needs… can be fulfilled with experiences, they cannot be fulfilled with things.”

ARIVAL 360 | VALENCIA

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The Future of the Experience Economy 

After this chat, Michael Zeisser took to the theater stage with Arival Co-Founder and CEO Douglas Quinby for the closing session of Arival 360 | Las Vegas to discuss recession, inflation, what’s on his radar for investment, planning for the future, and “pushing the envelope” on experiences. 

Watch this featured fireside chat session with Michael Zeisser, The Future of the Experience Economy , with an Insider Pro Access membership. 

Become an Insider Pro Access member today and get access to the full library of Arival research, plus many other benefits such as free consulting sessions, special discounts and 20% off in-person events, starting from $179 per year.

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Tags: investors, Featured, recession, Travel Trends, Travel Experiences, FMZ Ventures, Experience Economy, Michael Zeisser, Interview, Economic Outlook

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WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARIVAL | ACTIVATE EDINBURGH AND ARIVAL 360 | VALENCIA AND WHICH SHOULD I ATTEND?

Since 2019, Arival has hosted one major event in Europe each year. For 2024-2025, we’re thrilled to offer two exciting events: Arival 360 | Valencia and Arival | Activate Edinburgh. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which event to attend—or why you might want to come to both:

Arival 360 | Valencia (28-30 April 2025)
  • Scope: Flagship European Event with a global reach; up to 30% of attendees from outside Europe, including the U.S., Middle East, LATAM, and APAC.
  • Audience: Experience creators, tech and distribution companies, and industry professionals from around the world.
  • Arival Theater Content: Global topics including: over-tourism and sustainability, technology, distribution, European consumer and operator trends.
  • Breakout Sessions: In-depth workshops on operational best practices, product expansion, AI, channel management, marketing tech, a Spain-specific track and an Innovation Showcase highlighting the most tech-savvy companies in our industry.
  • Networking: Connect with leading OTAs and distribution companies, and build valuable partnerships.
  • Location: Valencia, a stunning coastal city offering rich cultural experiences.
  • Attendees: Approximately 800, providing extensive networking opportunities.
Arival | Activate Edinburgh (23-25 November 2024)
  • Scope: Regional focus on the UK, Ireland, and the Nordic regions.
  • Audience: Operators and industry professionals from the region.
  • Content: Gain insights on regional topics like technology, distribution strategies, and hear from top regional tourism leaders.
  • Breakout Sessions: Experience hands-on learning at Edinburgh’s top attractions and tours, with sessions on visitor experience, digital journeys and innovative tour development. In-depth sessions for companies at the beginning of their digital journey and more advanced sessions for people and companies looking to elevate their experience.
  • Networking: With a more intimate setting. you’ll have more time to build deeper connections and create more meaningful interactions with your current and future partners including distributors, tech companies, DMOs and more.
  • Location: Edinburgh, known for its stunning architecture and historic charm
  • Attendees: Approximately 400, fostering an intimate peer-to-peer learning and networking environment.
Key Differences:
  • Global vs. Regional Focus: Valencia is a global event with an international audience, while Edinburgh is a regional event focused on the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions.
  • Event Size: Valencia hosts about 800 attendees, providing broad networking opportunities, whereas Edinburgh’s 400 attendees create a more intimate, focused environment.
  • Content and Sessions: Valencia features global themes and advanced topics, whereas Edinburgh provides region-specific insights and hands-on experiential learning.
  • Location Experience: Valencia providing a coastal escape and Edinburgh offering historic and iconic attractions.
  • Who Will Be There: The most valuable part of Arival Events is the connections you make and the partnerships you build to grow your business. At Arival | Activate Edinburgh, you’ll engage with key industry players in the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions. If your business focus is on these areas, Edinburgh is where you need to be. For those targeting broader European or global markets, Arival 360 | Valencia offers the ideal platform to network with international leaders and innovators. 
Why attend both?

With limited opportunities for business development, learning, and networking in our industry, attending both events is a strategic move. By participating in both Edinburgh and Valencia, you maximize your exposure to diverse markets and influential contacts. 

However, if budget constraints or a specific regional focus dictate your decisions, choose the event that best aligns with your primary business goals. Join us in Edinburgh for regional insights or Valencia for global perspectives—or better yet, attend both to fully leverage the potential of Arival’s expansive network.

For service providers such as a restech or ticketing platform, distribution company, or other services including marketing, AI tools, etc., attending both gives you access to attendees from both markets to connect with your current customers and to meet new ones!

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