Go City’s Owen, Tiqets’ Elzinga on the outlook and opportunity for experiences

The experiences sector has seen quite a bit of activity recently, buoyed by continued signs from consumers that “what” they will do while traveling is as much, or even more, of a determinant of where to go than where they will stay and how they will get there.

In one of the sector's biggest announcements, GetYourGuide closed a massive $194 round of equity and credit financing in early June, which it said will be used to expand in key markets and accelerate product innovation. 

Competitor Viator is growing in importance as a revenue driver for Tripadvisor, accounting for 43% of that company’s revenue in the second quarter this year.  And in Airbnb’s earnings call, CEO Brian Chesky sounded like he’s ready to prioritize Airbnb Experiences again, saying it is “ready to scale” after the company paused taking new listings in April.

Meanwhile there has also been consolidation: Respax acquired Livn last week, and a few weeks ago Checkfront and Rezdy merged, with Regiondo joining their entity.

At Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona, two leaders in this sector joined PhocusWire editor in chief Mitra Sorrells in the PhocusWire studio.

Jon Owen is CEO of Go City, a provider of multi-experience passes, and Luuc Elzinga is founder and president of Tiqets, an instant booking platform for museums and attractions.

In a wide-ranging discussion, Owen and Elzinga share their thoughts on partnerships, building brand loyalty and how to improve customer experience, including the importance of offering payment methods customized by market.

The two also weigh in on Airbnb, Google and the potential for generative AI.

Watch the full discussion below.