Valencia and Brisbane will be the locations for two of this year’s flagship Arival 360 eventsThe global multi-day tour sector is experiencing a significant shift, with a clear divide emerging between operators embracing technology and those maintaining manual processes. According to Arival's latest report, "The State of Multi-Day Tours, 2nd Edition," conducted with TourRadar, kimkim, and Lemax, this split is reshaping the industry landscape.
The study, which surveyed 569 operators and conducted nearly 50 executive interviews, reveals that whilst 70% of operators aim for growth, about one-third prefer stability and quality over expansion. This divergence is evident in technology adoption, with over 60% of operators using third-party booking systems or custom platforms, and 63% experimenting with AI. Conversely, 21% of operators still manage bookings manually, lacking any system.
Bruce Rosard, CCO and co-founder of Arival, stated, "Systemised operators are pulling ahead with better tech, connectivity, and distribution reach. Companies investing in systems and embracing new tools, including AI, will lead the next growth phase."
Regional differences further accentuate this divide. Operators in the US and Europe are more likely to utilise booking technology, whereas a significant portion in APAC, LATAM, and MEA regions operate without such systems.
These findings will be central to discussions at the upcoming Arival 360 events in Valencia from 27 to 29 April and Brisbane from 22 to 24 June. The events will gather industry stakeholders to explore the future of multi-day tours and digital distribution, aiming to bridge the operational gap and prepare for a more connected future
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
