Category Technology, Organisations & Operators

OTA bookings hit surge, direct sales slide across global experiences industry

Arival, the global research authority for the tours, activities, attractions and experiences sector, today released its Global Operator Landscape 4th Edition: The State of Experiences, the most comprehensive study of the in‑destination experiences industry.  Based on more than 5,000 qualified operator responses worldwide, the report shows an industry that has surpassed pre‑pandemic performance but is now navigating a new era of digital disruption, shifting traveler behavior, and operational pressure.

S4BT responds to client demand for financial operating system for modern corporate travel

Following demand from clients for a more modern financial operating system for corporate travel, S4BT – Solutions for Business Travel today announces the launch of Trevium.

This next-generation financial solution is designed to modernise how travel-related payments and expenditure are managed across Europe for a market still reliant on fragmented legacy processes.

Civitatis Founder Alberto Gutiérrez Passes CEO Baton to CPTO Andrés Spitzer

Civitatis, the leading curated online marketplace for guided tours and activities for Spanish and Portuguese speaking consumers, today announces a planned leadership transition. Founder and CEO Alberto Gutiérrez will step down from his executive role and name Andrés Spitzer, currently Chief Product and Technology Officer, as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1st.

Alberto will remain on the Board of Directors, lending his extensive technology experience, industry knowledge, and credentials to continue supporting the company’s growth strategy and vision. This transition marks a natural evolution for the company. After nearly two decades of success and rapid growth, Alberto Gutiérrez leaves a legacy that has transformed a personal project into a global category leader where 1.2 million travelers book activities monthly.

Phocuswright releases ‘Travel Forward: Data, Insights & Trends for 2026’, sponsored by Travel Guard

Phocuswright today released Travel Forward: Data, Insights & Trends for 2026, sponsored by Travel Guard, its annual year-end and year-ahead report that provides a clear, data-driven view of the $1.67 trillion global travel market. The free report brings together the company’s most insightful analysis and presents it through interactive charts and visuals that reveal the forces shaping the year ahead.

The global travel industry enters 2026 with steady momentum. Total gross bookings are projected to reach $1.67 trillion as international demand strengthens and travelers continue to prioritize experiences despite economic and geopolitical pressures. Travel and tourism is expected to generate more than $11.7 trillion toward global GDP this year and support nearly 371 million jobs, underscoring the sector’s enduring resilience even as growth patterns vary by region.