Tour Operator

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the tour operator sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on the brands in multi-day, single-day and packages, including their strategies, executives and positions in the market.

How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
News / Technology
How travel brands are prioritizing group travel planning
By Morgan Hines | June 6, 2024
Expedia Group, Airbnb, Mindtrip and many other companies are looking to simplify group travel planning. Read More
European tour operator FTI files for insolvency
News / Distribution
European tour operator FTI files for insolvency
By Linda Fox | June 3, 2024
The company, one of the largest tour operators in Europe, said the FTI Touristik brand is directly affected but that insolvency filings will follow for other group companies. Read More
Travelsoft continues travel tech roll-up with three further acquisitions
News / Technology
Travelsoft continues travel tech roll-up with three further acquisitions
By Linda Fox | May 23, 2024
B2B accommodation connectivity provider TravelgateX joins Travelsoft alongside reservation technology specialist Atcore Technology and Travel Connection Technology.    Read More
India-based travel distribution platform TBO to open IPO
News / Online
India-based travel distribution platform TBO to open IPO
By Mitra Sorrells | May 6, 2024
The company said it will use the proceeds to invest in its technology and data solutions, to add new buyers and suppliers and to pursue acquisitions. Read More
Consortium led by Certares will invest €125M as part of agreement with FTI Group
News / Online
Consortium led by Certares will invest €125M as part of agreement with FTI Group
By Morgan Hines | April 18, 2024
FTI Group will use the new funding to bolster growth and pay for a “digital transformation.” Read More
Travel companies navigate changes to Google’s search function
News / Technology
Travel companies navigate changes to Google’s search function
By Morgan Hines | April 18, 2024
Some travel companies have seen changes in search results following Google’s latest update, which addresses in part “low quality AI-generated content that’s designed to attract clicks.”  Read More
Exoticca secures €4M for further expansion
News / Startups
Exoticca secures €4M for further expansion
By D.J. Catron | April 16, 2024
Exoticca CEO Pere Vallés said the funding would help the company’s expansion in Latin America. Read More
Key trends driving innovation in tours and packages
Opinion / Online
Key trends driving innovation in tours and packages
By Manuel Hilty - Nezasa | March 22, 2024
Changes in consumer expectations along with the fact technology for selling multi-day tours is still in its infancy create a strong need for technical innovation in the tours and package business. Read More
Expedia, Booking, Amadeus join forces to address digital travel regulations
News / Technology
Expedia, Booking, Amadeus join forces to address digital travel regulations
By Yeoh Siew Hoon – Web in Travel | February 29, 2024
The Global Travel Tech also includes eDreams Odigeo, Travelport and Skyscanner. They seek to address global concerns around anticipated regulatory changes affecting digital travel platforms.   Read More
What happens when travelers find tours too authentic?
News / Online
What happens when travelers find tours too authentic?
By Morgan Hines | February 26, 2024
An “authentic” experience that included a fried dog in a local market set off a lively discussion of what responsibilities tour operators — and travelers — bear when encountering unfamiliar cultures. Read More
Travel early adopters share lessons after year with generative AI
News / Technology
Travel early adopters share lessons after year with generative AI
By Derek Catron | February 7, 2024
PhocusWire is checking in with some of travel's early adopters in using generative artificial intelligence, beginning with three startups, to find out what they have learned from their first year of... Read More
Assessing the effectiveness of influencer marketing in travel
News / Online
Assessing the effectiveness of influencer marketing in travel
By Morgan Hines | February 1, 2024
Windstar Cruises is the latest company to bolster its influencer marketing strategy, recently announcing a partnership with Jerne, which helps to facilitate connections with influencers. Read More
Travel's journey through the generative AI platform shift
Opinion / Technology
Travel's journey through the generative AI platform shift
By Mario Gavira | January 16, 2024
Mario Gavira discusses whether we're in the midst of a pivotal moment that will see the rise of a new platform allowing us to interact and harness artificial intelligence. Read More
AI-powered travel content platform Lokalee raises $5.6M
News / Startups
AI-powered travel content platform Lokalee raises $5.6M
By Morgan Hines | January 9, 2024
Lokalee plans to accelerate its product development and its expansion into European markets with the new funding. Read More
Wander Health, ZaNiheza founders open up about startup journey as scholarship recipients
News / Startups
Wander Health, ZaNiheza founders open up about startup journey as scholarship recipients
By Morgan Hines | December 22, 2023
While attending The Phocuswright Conference, scholarship recipients Dana Le and Charles Shima spoke to PhocusWire about their goals for the next three to five years. Read More