Authentic, local experiences are an important part of travel.
NATIONAL REPORT—Recognizing that experience is king in travel today, both TripAdvisor and Booking Holdings have made moves to acquire technology platforms in the tours and attractions space.
TripAdvisor has acquired Bokun, a leading provider of business management technology for the tours, attractions and experiences industry. With the acquisition, TripAdvisor expands its offering, now providing suppliers with technical solutions in addition to the sector’s largest distribution channel, according to the company.
Based in Iceland, Bokun is a business management software created specifically for tours, attractions and experiences suppliers: It acts as a booking engine, an inventory channel manager, a price management tool and more. Founded in 2012, Bokun grew quickly to help Icelandic suppliers capitalize on the country’s booming tourism industry. Bokun’s customer base is global, ranging from local suppliers to Fortune 500 companies.
For its part, Booking Holdings Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire local activities and experiences booking software provider, FareHarbor. Founded in Hawaii in 2013 and now headquartered in Denver, FareHarbor’s technology allows tour and activity operators to connect with customers online. FareHarbor’s senior management team will report into the Booking.com leadership team.