Adventure travel is on the rise: the new desire for authenticity!
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Adventure travel is on the rise: the new desire for authenticity!
In the ever-changing travel industry, the concept of sightseeing has changed a lot. The new generation of travelers is looking for alternative experiences that go beyond traditional tours. According to The Portugal News Booking platforms GetYourGuide and Viator have seen a remarkable 165% increase in experiential travel bookings between 2021 and 2024, while traditional sightseeing tours only grew by 37%. These numbers illustrate the trend towards individual, authentic experiences.
A survey by Virtuoso shows that 77% of travelers consider curiosity and exploration as the main factors when planning their trips. This trend is supported by platforms such as Airbnb, which offer new adventure trips under the leadership of CEO Brian Chesky. Airbnb's offering now includes over 22,000 experiences in 650 cities worldwide. Special highlights include a cooking class with a ramen master in Tokyo, a luchador wrestling experience in Mexico City, and a volleyball match on Copacabana Beach with a Brazilian Olympian.
Insights into the adventure travel offers
The demand for authenticity has led to more than half of British travelers looking for credible experiences when booking tours. The development of guided tours is increasingly moving away from the typical “copy-and-paste” tours towards unique experiences. For example, Airbnb offers tours of the Notre Dame restoration, led by an architect from the project. An exclusive, crowd-free guided tour of the Sistine Chapel is also available, starting at around £420 per person. Additionally, travelers can attend a tea ceremony with a former royal family butler, where they will learn about royal protocol and etiquette.
Advancing digitalization has revolutionized the travel industry. Online booking platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia dominate the market in Germany. These platforms not only offer accommodation, but also numerous options for booking experiences. Other significant platforms include Agoda and HRS, which play an important role in supporting travelers.
Market leader in the online travel market
| platform.platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Booking.com | Offers a wide range of accommodations with ease of use and numerous customer reviews. |
| Airbnb | Revolutionizes travel with a variety of private accommodation and experiences. |
| Expedia | Comprehensive platform for hotel bookings, flights, car rentals and vacation packages with a user-friendly interface. |
| GetYourGuide | Specializing in booking tours and activities with a wide range of experiences. |
The platforms offer great benefits for travelers, including clear booking and the ability to book flights, hotels and car rentals on a single platform. This interaction of large and small providers creates a diverse offering and increases accessibility for travelers looking for new and exciting experiences. Despite the dominant position of large platforms, smaller providers have significant influence and contribute to diversity in the travel market.