Now that two activities online travel agencies (OTA) have raised more than $500 million, the gloves are coming off. Klook’s chief commercial officer Wilfred Fan told Nikkei Asian Review at the Web In Travel conference in Tokyo this past month the company aims to turn its focus increasingly to Europe and take on GetYourGuide directly.
In good news, the New York Times reported on the growing attractions and activities trend of making products accessible, safe, and appealing to travelers with special needs such as autism and other cognitive disorders. The article cites the growth of certifications and training programs to educate employees of theme parks, zoos, water parks destinations, and more about mitigating stress and enriching experiences for travelers on the spectrum.
And overtourism is at it again, this time in Australia where a hiking ban on a sacred aborigine rock formation (set to start in October) has sparked an Everest-esque rush of hikers hoping to reach the top before it’s too late, compounding the problem of erosion and degradation.
Give these worthy articles a read:
Asia’s Klook Ready to Take on GetYourGuide
Hong Kong-based activities OTA Klook says it will expand its coverage to match German rival GetYourGuide in every major European city by the end of this year … Read More at Nikkei Asian Review
Attractions Become Autism Friendly
A growing number of theme parks, hotels and special attractions are introducing autism training and sensory guides … Read More at The New York Times
Tourists Rushing to Beat a Hiking Ban at Australian Aboriginal Site
The Australian indigenous holy spot is drawing Instagramming tourists to hike and climb the 1,100-foot sandstone formation, creating human traffic jams reminiscent of congestion on Mount Everest … Read More at Washington Post
Do VIP Lines Foster Inequity?
From theme parks to banks, priority queues are spreading for those with enough money or status. This could be a sign of greater efficiency—or just another way of splitting society … Read More at BBC
