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Energy, Insights & Innovation: What people said about Arival Valencia 2025
- Catherine Warrilow
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Even with a power outage, it was a high energy mix of big ideas, bold statements and buzzing conversations.
Arival Valencia 2025 proved once again why it’s the beating heart of the in-destination experiences industry. Across two packed days, it brought together experience creators, operators, and tech providers from across the globe for inspiring sessions, honest conversations, and real connections.
The overarching themes? Innovation and collaboration are driving our sector forward, but there’s a growing need to go deeper-beyond surface-level insights and quick wins-to unlock the next wave of growth. AI, digital distribution, personalisation, and partnership were all hot topics. But more than that, there was a shared energy and optimism in the room-a clear sign that this industry is building toward something bigger.
Arival events are designed to connect and empower the creators and sellers of tours, activities, attractions, and experiences – the Best Part of Travel.
And in Valencia, that mission was well and truly supported.
Here’s what Arival Valencia attendees, first-timers, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers had to say:
“Still buzzing from Arival Valencia - what an incredible experience! ✨ Catching up on emails, LinkedIn requests, and pages of notes, but one feeling keeps rising above it all: WOW! 🤩”
– Bokun
“This event was a true reminder of why I love working in the tours & activities industry.”
– Musement
“These three days of intense conversations proved once again that in a world full of AI and automation, human connections remain the foundation of our industry.”
– AT Cracow
“ Overall I walked away delighted that AI got the prominence it did”.
– Alex Bainbridge, Autoura
“It was a joy to connect with so many inspiring people, share ideas, and celebrate the incredible work happening across the industry.”
– Empire Tours & Productions
“🤝Throughout the event, the Viator booth was buzzing! From scheduled 1:1s to impromptu chats, we were thrilled to meet so many of you and talk about the future of travel experiences.”
– Viator
“The insights, the energy, and the collaboration were phenomenal – 300 meetings across 3 days!”
– Bokun
“We joined hundreds of industry professionals to share insights, discover trends and connect with people just as passionate about unforgettable experiences.”
– UP Events
“Great connections, insightful conversations, and perfectly targeted.” – Radical Storage
“This is where you truly learn how businesses operate in different markets and find unexpected solutions to common challenges.”
– AT Cracow
“The energy and engagement from the audience were truly inspiring.”
– Blackdog Advertising
“Congratulations to Douglas, Bruce, Ramon, Janelle and the whole Arival team for organizing such a great event during a complex week.”
– Civitatis
“Even with the lights off, the conversations and connections at Arival were on 🔥🔥🔥!”
– Bokun
“We accessed exclusive insights and met different players from across the travel industry.”
– Oceanário Lisboa
“It’s been such a great experience connecting with passionate people from across the industry! The future of travel is being shaped right here.”
– TrekkSoft
“This is why I said in my keynote: AI is a product innovation, not a retail or distribution innovation. Even that underplays the significance.”
– Alex Bainbridge, Autoura
“A fantastic few days with the world’s most innovative tours & experiences leaders.”
– Belvera Partners
“I’ve come away as a more knowledgeable, effective and confident sales leader.”
– Evan Evans
“Great community and great idea sharing.”
– Through Eternity Tours
“The event offered a whole new perspective on our industry: inspiring talks, thought-provoking insights, and a clearer vision of where we’re heading.”
– Amigo Tours
“It was incredibly rewarding to exchange ideas with suppliers, partners, and explore how we can keep innovating together.”
– Musement
“Hundreds of appointments, meetings, and spontaneous connections with both cherished existing partners and exciting new faces – a storm of energy, innovation, and true collaboration.”
– Bokun
“Arival gave me the insights and trends to see the bigger picture. The speakers provided evidence and case studies, the audience offered clarity and reassurance.”
– Evan Evans
“We’re already counting down to the next Arival in DC.”
– Viator
“The chance to contribute to meaningful dialogues about our evolving market. Always learning, always inspired!”
– Trip.com
“Energized and full of insights with existing customers and also new connections.”
– TripAdmit
“Such an inspiring event. Arival continues to bring together the most brilliant minds in the industry, and it’s always a privilege to be part of it.”
– Empire Tours & Productions
“The chance to connect with so many amazing industry partners and friends.”
– Vox
“I’m leaving with a head full of ideas and a long list of to-dos to make our experiences more personal, seamless, and world-class.”
– Your Friend In Reykjavik
“Innovation and collaboration are driving our industry forward.”
– Bokun
“It is truly energizing to connect with our incredible clients and be surrounded by such passionate, innovative vendors.”
– Blackdog Advertising
“I didn’t know what an OTA was a year ago - now, because of Arival I’ve tripled my business”
- Anon
“An overall positive vibe and feedback”.
- Roman Townsend, Belvera Partners
Looking Ahead: See you for Arival in Washington DC?
Arival Valencia reminded us all why we do what we do – to create meaningful, memorable experiences for travellers. But it also reminded us that this industry isn’t just about magic moments; it’s built on thoughtful strategy - we have to keep thinking ahead and challenging the norms, bold ideas, and human connection.
Join us at Arival 360 | Washington, DC this September – where the conversations will continue, the insights will deepen, and the future of travel experiences will be written.
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