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Arival Guide: Self-Guided Tours & Audio Experiences

Key strategies, best practices & platforms for developing amazing self-guided tours and audio experiences

By Kate Cornell, Anne Failing & Douglas Quinby
Edited by Janelle Visser

COMING SOON: March 2025


Summary

Through a systematic analysis of more than 70 audio guide and self-guided platforms, a series of in-depth, structured interviews with leading tour operators and platforms for audio and self-guided tours, and insights from Arival’s proprietary traveler and operator research, this one-of-a-kind report provides a comprehensive overview of the self-guided tour and audio experience marketplace for tour and activity operators, visitor attractions and self-guided tour platform providers.  changes in content, technology and delivery for tours, activities and attractions, since Arival’s first edition of this report was published in 2021.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN FROM THIS REPORT

  1. A comprehensive overview of the self-guided tours and audio experiences landscape
  2. Insights on the travelers who take self-guided tours and what they want
  3. How operators and attractions are offering self-guided and audio experiences
  4. Best practices and key design principles for self-guided tours, including actionable tips for content development to wow your customers
  5. Key trends technology and platform providers to help operators evaluate potential platforms
  6. Current applications and opportunities for AI in tour development and production
  7. In-depth listings of self-guided platforms to assist operators in choosing a potential partner

 

WHAT’S IN THIS REPORT

  1. Introduction: What Is Self-Guided?
    • Study Purpose & Methodology
  2. The State of Self-Guided Today
    • Traveler & Operator Uptake & Opportunity
  3. Content: Self-Guided or Not?
    • Best practices for self-guided tour and experience design
  4. Platforms, Technology & the Future of SGTs & Audio
  5. SGT Landscape & Platform Matrix
  6. Audio-Guide Platform Landscape & Matrix

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ACCESS THIS REPORT

The Arival Guide to Self-Guided Tours & Audio Experiences (2nd Edition) will be available at no cost to Insider Free and Pro Access members. To access it simply sign up for an Insider Free account, or ensure you’re logged in.

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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