The sector of online booking for attractions and events is heating up. This week saw two companies that provide online booking and distribution raise significant investment. Tiqets, a Netherlands-based online ticketing reseller for attractions, raised $23 million in funding. This brings their total investment of outside capital since their launch to $45 million. Earlier in the week London-based Festicket, a portal and booking platform focused on music festivals, secured $10.5 million in series D funding.
This comes on the heels of a wave of funding for our industry, including Hong Kong-based Klook raising $200 million in venture capital in August, Peek’s $23 million raise in June, and Berlin-based GetYourGuide’s $75 million haul in 2017.
Two recent Arival Guides highlighted big challenges before online ticketing and distribution for attractions and events – the State of Ticketing Tech and Event Horizon: The Role of Events in Travel and Tourism. Both reports examine the big gaps in online bookability for attractions and events. Startups and investors alike are clearing eyeing opportunities to solve these challenges. Expect more startups and investment to follow.