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

UK’s Wild Frontiers Buys U.S. Adventure Operator Myths & Mountains as Asia Demand Rises

In the post-experiences world, one sector that will keep thriving is niche adventure tour operators that really know what they are talking about. They take clients backstage to explore exotic places and leave little footprint — but deposit lots of dollars in local communities.

Raini Hamdi | 7 years ago

Business Travel

Fosun Swoops on Thomas Cook Brand Names

Given Fosun's desire to help keep Thomas Cook afloat, the news shouldn't come as a surprise, especially since the Chinese company's Foliday ecosystem features the storied brand name.

Patrick Whyte | 7 years ago

Business Travel

Thomas Cook’s Nordic Business Gets New Owners

Even though Thomas Cook Group is no longer around, parts of the company live on. The Nordic business was pretty profitable, crucially has strong local brands, and isn't weighed down by an extensive store network. It's easy to see how it can be a success in the future.

Patrick Whyte | 7 years ago

Business Travel

Airbnb Invests in Tiqets for Experiences That Are Not, Well, Unique

Airbnb may never become a clone of its online travel agency competitors, but it will eventually go more mainstream to attract a wider range of travelers and locals, as the Tiqets investment suggests.

Dennis Schaal | 7 years ago

Harriet Green and Manny Fontenla-Novoa, former Thomas Cook CEOs

Business Travel

Former Thomas Cook CEOs Take Low Road Blaming Each Other for Past Mistakes

It was the appearance everyone was waiting for. The two former Thomas Cook CEOs had very, very different ideas about how to run a travel company. The problem is that the business is no longer around, meaning they are both somewhat tarnished by failure.

Patrick Whyte | 7 years ago

Business Travel

5 Takeaways From the UK’s Thomas Cook Inquiry

Inquiries like these are often pretty brutal on company executives. Former CEO Peter Fankhauser shoulders a lot of responsibility for what went down at Thomas Cook, but he's not the only one at fault. The actions of his predecessors, as well as the UK government itself, are likely to also come under scrutiny.

Patrick Whyte | 7 years ago

Business Travel

Airbnb to Shuffle the Leadership of Experiences Business at Critical Juncture

Is everything on target in the evolution of Airbnb's Experiences business? It's clearly not profitable yet after three years, and the leadership change at the top signals problems. That doesn't mean it's fatally flawed although this isn't precisely the portrait you want to paint on the cusp of Airbnb going public next year.

Dennis Schaal | 7 years ago

Business Travel

What Is the Future of Packaged Vacations After Thomas Cook’s Collapse?

Package holidays are changing and under pressure, but in markets such as the UK, Germany, China, and Canada, these offline options still have their place. Failure to adapt was a contributing factor in Thomas Cook's demise, but there were a whole bunch of other things going on as well.

Dennis Schaal | 7 years ago

Business Travel

Debt, Egos and Bad Decisions: How Thomas Cook Failed to Adapt to a New Era of Travel

Thomas Cook's collapse was a disaster played out in slow motion. An ill-fated acquisition spree, a bloated retail footprint, and a commoditized product left it unable to deal with changes in consumer behavior and economic shocks.

Patrick Whyte | 7 years ago

Tour Operators

Is Tour Operator Cox & Kings the Next to Fall?

Debt-addled Cox & Kings appears to be teetering on the brink of collapse. It has closed its Australia/New Zealand operations. Virtuoso has severed ties with it — and a rescue does not look imminent.

Raini Hamdi | 7 years ago