Tour Operators

Get the latest tour operator news with Skift’s authoritative coverage. Critical updates and analysis from the world of tours and activities—essential for professionals to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Our articles cover a wide range of topics related to multi-day tour operators as well as day trips from tours and activities companies.

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From consumer behavior changes to technological advancements transforming tour operations, Skift keeps you updated on all travel industry shifts.

Stay informed about significant mergers and acquisitions, regulatory changes, and market dynamics that shape the industry. Our news coverage features insights into major players like Thomas Cook and emerging operators shaping the future of travel.

Exclusive interviews with industry leaders, comprehensive case studies, and insightful reports curated by Skift experts. Gain the knowledge needed to navigate and succeed in the tour operator landscape.

Browse our collection to gain new insights and inspiration for your tour operator business.

Business Travel

Travel Brand Storytelling Needs to Be More Local To Meet This Moment

The coronavirus crisis has given new meaning to traveling like a local. Brands are trying to figure out how to market to travelers when they actually are the locals.

Dennis Schaal and Korey Matthews | 6 years ago

Business Travel

Tour Business Viator Opts for Quality Over Quantity With the Land Grab Ending

With competitors like GetYourGuide, Klook, Airbnb and Booking.com strengthening their asrsenals, market leader Viator will enforce new quality standards that would make it more user-friendly and efficient. If these and other moves don't work, then look out for a new No. 1.

Dennis Schaal | 6 years ago

Business Travel

Booking.com Terminates Contracts With Tours and Attractions Operators

TUI/Musement's new strategic partnership with Booking.com has the potential to reshuffle the powers that be in tours and activities, especially in Europe. But TUI doesn't have a stellar track record in online offerings, and much of the promise will depend on its execution.

Dennis Schaal | 6 years ago

Business Travel

How Museums Are Imagining Reopening in the Time of Social Distancing

The world's leading museums pride themselves on taking the utmost care of their collections. In the context of the pandemic, they have perhaps an even bigger task: keeping their visitors and staff safe, as well.

Rosie Spinks | 6 years ago

Coronavirus

TUI’s All-Or-Nothing Summer Recovery Plan Relies on Southern Europe

The tour operator has taken major steps to lower its cost base. Financially, it's prepared for the next few months, but that's counting on tourists flooding back this summer.

Matthew Parsons | 6 years ago

Business Travel

Tours and Attractions Pursue New Hygiene Regimes to Coronavirus Recovery

Tourism is now having its OCD moment in the face of the coronavirus. Will new sanitation protocols in the tourism sector buy peace of mind for travelers post-pandemic or usher in a new age of travel anxiety?

Xinyi Liang-Pholsena | 6 years ago

Business Travel

Packaged Tours Need Retooling in a Coronavirus Era: The Long View This Week

The long view on packaged tours as a travel category is bright, said Christine Petersen, the president and CEO of smarTours, a private-equity backed operator. But the sector must adapt to a socially distanced world in several practical ways if it wants to stay relevant and profitable.

Sean O'Neill | 6 years ago

Business Travel

National Cowboy Museum’s Security Chief Finds an Unlikely New Role

Tim Tiller is an unlikely social media hit. But his success since the start of the pandemic lockdown is a lesson for tourism marketers everywhere.

Rosie Spinks | 6 years ago

Business Travel

The Case for Why Airbnb’s Foray Into Experiences Is a Fundamental Mistake

It is highly risky for Airbnb to pivot to compete directly as an online travel agency, and it needs to seriously think about whether its sharing model truly extends to the activity, experience provider because in reality it doesn't.

Carl Shepherd | 6 years ago

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Business Travel

Tour Guides and Attractions Operators Shift to Testing Experiences — Online

Operators of tours, activities, and attractions are taking a crash course in online classes, virtual tours, and digital souvenir sales. We doubt these efforts can fully replace the revenue of in-person experiences. Yet there are needs to fill. Many housebound people and remote teams could use the human connection, while many hosts are eager for income.

Sean O'Neill | 6 years ago