Experiences

Travel today is all about immersion. At Skift, we dive into how companies like Airbnb, Marriott, and Disney are redefining what it means to create memorable experiences for travelers.

Here, you’ll find stories about everything from Airbnb’s unique experiences and Viator’s handpicked activities to the latest in luxury travel that’s setting new standards.

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Virtual experiences are shaking things up, offering new ways to explore the world without leaving home. Whether it’s the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi or Disney’s latest attractions, we’re here to keep you informed on the trends that are driving the experiential travel landscape.

Check out the latest articles from Skift to stay in the loop on how the world of travel experiences is evolving.

Experiences

How to Sell a Tours and Travel Experiences Company During a Pandemic

Hornblower's acquisition of Walks and Lindblad's takeover of DuVine are great case studies. They show how young companies can land well even in times of crisis. The lessons ought to resonate across the travel sector.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Experiences

Trivago Wants to Stay Engaged With Travelers Well After They Book Trips

There are no guarantees that Trivago will succeed in transforming itself, broadening its offerings to travelers, and becoming different enough from rivals to ensure its viability. But sitting still and not trying new things wasn't an option, either.

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago

Business Travel

Trivago Partners With TUI For Attractions as Online Players Bulk Up

In addition to its new partnership with TUI, Trivago is betting on travel inspiration to spur nearby weekend getaways. From Tripadvisor to Google Flights and mostly forgotten travel startups, the prospect of both nurturing bucket list dreams and converting lookers into bookers has never worked out very well.

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago

Business Travel

Booking Adds Tours and Activities From Viator in Their First Partnership

Booking.com, with its vast audience, is becoming a significant player in attractions, tours and activities. However, it will have to share the revenue with its growing roster of distribution partners, which now include Tripadvisor and TUI.

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago

Experiences

Tripadvisor’s New Subscription Plan Geared to Address Major Flaw in Its Instant Booking Initiative

Tripadvisor is trying to become a much larger transaction site again. But here are two challenges: Will the benefits be so superior to discounts you can get for free booking on HotelTonight or elsewhere? And hotels will get a break on commissions, but do they really want to train guests to book on Tripadvisor?

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago

Experiences

RocketRez and Questo Gain Traction in Tours and Activities: Travel Startup Funding This Week

It was a positive week for the tours and activities sector as startups GetYourGuide, RocketRez, and Questo received financial infusions for digital offerings. Plus, other funding news.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Experiences

Is Tripadvisor Really the Best Ticket to Ride the Recovery?

A theory made the rounds several years ago that Tripadvisor would be the next Booking.com. OK, that didn't happen, but dealt a bad hand by Google, Tripadvisor has been busy remaking itself. It's been a very long and uneven slog.

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago

Business Travel

G Adventures Attracts Investment From Private Equity Firm Certares

With plenty of dinero within reach, Certares is in a position to latch onto companies that fit into trends that the PE firm believes will be at the forefront when a post-Covid travel recovery finally takes hold. G Adventures apparently fits the bill.

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago

Business Travel

TUI Musement Emerges as a Tours and Activities Player in Europe in Shadow of GetYourGuide

Will it suffice for TUI Musement to focus on the partnership side of its business, as it does with Booking.com and major cruise lines, or does it need to master the uphill task of becoming a breakout consumer brand beyond TUI's existing customer base? Acquisitions could be part of the mix when the pandemic dust settles.

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago

Experiences

Airbnb CEO Dodges Question Over Whether Company Is Overvalued at $113 Billion

Airbnb is smart to focus on its core accommodations' business, if that is indeed what it is really doing. The company has time to deal with all of the other stuff, from flights to hotels and experiences, once a real-life travel recovery has a pulse.

Dennis Schaal | 5 years ago