Article

Hornblower Acquires Walks, Rebrands as City Experiences

by Douglas Quinby | April 6, 2021

The move by one of the largest tour and activity companies signals the their intent to become not just a leading city cruise operator, but a global experiences brand. Expect more acquisitions, and more M&A overall as our industry remakes itself post-Covid.

Segment: Travel Technology News

Article

Reserve with Google to Shut Down

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | March 24, 2021

Get ready for another big shift in how tours, activities, and attractions are listed on Google. The search engine is winding down the booking option to shift towards an advertising-focused model similar to Google Hotels.

Segment: Travel Technology News

Article

Arival’s Recovery Trends Survey

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | March 8, 2021

Since March 2020, Arival has been tracking the pandemic’s impact and outlook for our industry. Take a few minutes to complete our latest trends survey on recovery and planning for 2021-2022.

Segment: Trends

Article

Urban Adventures Rankles Operator Partners with Termination

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | February 25, 2021

Interviews with UA partners and Intrepid Group CEO James Thornton make it clear: the end of the brand’s franchise model signals a humbler, tougher era ahead as operators small and large face tough decisions to survive – and revive.

Article

What to Expect at the Arival Self-Guided Tours Forum

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | February 25, 2021

We’re just a few days away and the program is set for this special forum on self-guided. Here’s what to expect, what you’ll learn, and how you’ll benefit.

Segment: Self-guided Tours

Article

5 Things Tour Operators Get Wrong about Self-Guided

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | February 21, 2021

We may get into some hot water with this post, but there seems to be some widely held misconceptions in our industry about self-guided experiences. So we’re addressing them here.

Segment: Operator Business Tips, Self-guided Tours

Article

More Money Goes into Tours & Activities Tech

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | February 17, 2021

Canadian company RocketRez, which targets large tour and attraction operators, has raised US$6.6 million.

Segment: Booking Provider, Travel Technology News

Article

A Guide to the Tours & Attractions Forum at ITB

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | February 12, 2021

The program of ITB’s virtual event is as sprawling and ambitious as ever. If you plan on attending, here’s your guide to some key sessions for tours and attractions. You’re welcome :)

Segment: Industry Events

Article

How Big Are the Big OTAs?

Douglas Quinby

by Douglas Quinby | February 5, 2021

Most online travel agencies in tours and attractions are privately held or operate as divisions within other companies and do not disclose specifics. Still, it’s interesting to look at what information is out there.