4 2 case studies of succesfull experiential enterprises1

Following, there are some selected good practices regarding experiential tourism as offered by tour operators all over the world. For the definition of “experiential tourism” we refer to the contents explained in 4.1. These different case studies stress, each in its own way, specific aspects of experiential tourism, however not fully covering (all in one) what can be described as such. Each of these examples, though, strongly contributes to the concepts of immersion, participation, cultural heritage, local community, and memorability (wow effect) which, together, define the “experience” in tourism.

Pag. 1

ToursByLocals (from their website: www.toursbylocals.com ) ToursByLocals provides private tours for travellers through our carefully selected network of local tour guides, each of whom is keen to share their knowledge, experience and expertise.

The travellers we serve want to do unique things, experience the reality of a place and see its culture through the eyes of a local person. They are 'sensibly curious', socially conscious, and value seeing their travel spending directly benefit the people who live in the communities they visit.

Our guides are entrepreneurial, passionate people proud of the place they live. Through them, we are able to offer a variety of tours, including 'off the beaten track' tours that reflect differing interests. We're committed to helping our guide-partners be successful. To do so, we actively search out and qualify new tour guides, train them to work with our system and business principles, and collaborate with them to develop our tour offerings.

We are the 'merchant of record' for each tour sold and handle marketing, booking and payment processing, customer service and payments.

The ToursByLocals website offers many tours that can be purchased “off the shelf”', however each can be customized to fit a traveller’s specific needs. We showcase the personality and skill of each guide while providing for consistent elements between tour offerings - pricing is per tour, not per person, payment in advance and other standardized policies. We have a team of 'Customer Experience Specialists' in Vancouver, London and Delhi who are on hand 24/7 to help, in case problems arise.

Pag. 2

Excusiopedia (from their website: www.excursiopedia.com) Founded in 2010 and based in Munich, Excursiopedia is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover and book unique tours and activities around the world.

We believe that any day and any trip will be better if we learn something from it – whether it’s about new people, new places or new activities.

Whether through a guided tour in your native language, a skip–the–line museum ticket, a ticket for music concert, or a surfing camp, Excursiopedia connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 1,750 cities and 155 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Excursiopedia is the easiest way for local venues and businesses to offer experiences in their cities to an audience of millions.

At Excursiopedia, we believe that new experiences are the main purpose of a vacation – even if it’s a staycation. It’s not the hotel or the flight that we remember. We travel for new cities, to get a taste of local life, see how other people live, experience their culture and learn their history. Even in your own city, there are always new activities waiting to be explored. As the famous adage goes, travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. We believe that only new experiences can make you rich. We have many activities that will satisfy your preferences and create an unforgettable new experience for you. We don’t just offer you the ordinary sightseeing tours – whether it’s – guided tours, outdoor activities, extreme sports, museum and amusement park tickets, shows and music events, spas and wellness activities, or workshop and classes, Excursiopedia has a comprehensive directory of things to do.

We are proud to continue to add to our database of different types of experiences worldwide, including: x x x x x x x x

Tours Activities SPA & wellness Shopping Major attractions Performing arts Sporting events Workshop and courses

Even you not find exactly what you want, you can communicate directly with local activity providers through Excursiopedia and check details about your preferred experience or find out about special offers, or have an activity customized especially for you. At Excursiopedia, we believe in building strong partnerships.

We are a small team of passionate travellers with different interests – some of us like to surf, others prefer to taste new foods, and others yet are crazy about concerts and football. Some travel in alone or with a loved one, while others take their entire family. We are different, but we have the

Pag. 3

same vision. We believe that new experiences are the best part of our life and we like to share them with friends and family.

We want to change the way people plan their trips. We believe that best trip begins not from best flight or cheapest hotel, but from having memorable experiences. More than 20,000 guests already choose their new experience from our 27,000 listings in 1,750 cities and 155 countries. And we are proud that most of them start planning their next vacation from choosing new experiences on Excursiopedia.

Pag. 4

One World 365 meaningful travel (from their website: www.oneworld365.org) One World - 365 Days to Explore...If you are looking to plan your next big adventure or a meaningful break away and you need ideas or inspiration our website is for you. One World 365 is an independent travel website where you can search tours, jobs, programs, instructor courses and tailor made packages to destinations all around the world.

All of our featured trips are locally sourced and great value.

We do not directly offer trips; we work with some of the world's leading travel companies including both large international operators to small local travel agencies. We have partnerships with some of the largest tour operators right through to small local volunteering organizations.

Our website is free to access and by booking a trip through One World 365 you can do more than your average holiday. You will be able to get off the beaten track away from the tourist crowds, integrate into the culture, learn more about your destination, mix activities with adventure, meet new people from all over the world and also give back to the local communities and countries you visit.

If you would like to work abroad, learn a new skill, contribute and help by volunteering, see wildlife on a safari or go off the beaten track you will find something to match your interests on our website. From exploring new countries on a overland small group tour, to volunteering in Africa, scuba diving in Thailand, learning Spanish in South America, learning a new skill in Asia, going off the beaten track in Australia, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, seeking out adventure in New Zealand or seeking out some of the most spectacular beaches in the world our website will inspire you to do something different and experience a new region of the world.

Our destination guides and blog posts provide information on countries and places you might want to visit and there are lots of tips and recommendations for itineraries and ideas for what to do. We understand planning a meaningful holiday can be confusing, there are so many companies and different opportunities and if you need any advice we offer impartial recommendations and tips to help you plan the best holiday abroad. Browse our website for inspiration or follow us on Twitter or Facebook for latest news and special offers.

Start planning your dream trip abroad with One World 365. The hard part is deciding where to go!

Our website was launched in 2007 to provide people a useful directory to find and book trips and experiences worldwide. When we launched One World 365 there were major search engines (not specific to adventure travel), travel operator websites (not independent) and out-dated directories which only advertised expensive trips and programs. We aimed to provide a one stop place where people could easily search and find life changing opportunities from tours, jobs and courses to helping good causes, non-profits and companies who are ethical and promote responsible travel reach a wider audience.

Unlike a lot of profit organisations, One World 365 promotes free and cheap opportunities from local operators and NGO's alongside trips with large international travel brands. There is the option to learn new skills, take a new career path or just explore the world like a local and do more than just sunbathing. Our website quickly grew and at the same time so did our social network

Pag. 5

followers. Today we have thousands of visitors every week from all over the world and we also manage some of the most popular travel social network pages on the planet.

We have a dedicated team of travel professionals who will be able to help you find and book opportunities. All our staff are passionate about travel and have years of experience helping people travel overseas, we have in-depth knowledge and can help relieve some of the stress and headache of research and planning a dream break away. We also have guest writers and contributors from all over the world.

Pag. 6

Active Gourmet Holidays (from their website: www.activegourmetholidays.com) Welcome! If you crave the extraordinary, Active Gourmet Holidays is the perfect place to discover your next adventure.

Search our site for divine active or culinary vacations (or a combination of both!), then contact us and let the professionals do the legwork. We offer over 100 splendid cooking school vacations so you can be assured that the experts will make the best recommendations as to which gourmet cooking tours will best fit your needs! Active Gourmet Holidays has been in business since 2002 and is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program, ASTA, IACP, Slow Food and ICTA. Give us a call and find out why we have an A+ Rating with the BBB! Active Gourmet Holidays offers much more than conventional vacations - rather, we provide unforgettable getaways that nourish the senses, refuel the body and replenish the spirit.

Whether it be learning to master local dishes from a renowned chef in the heart of Provence, biking amidst the spectacular red poppy fields of Chianti, or tasting fine Tuscan wines from the Brunello region, Active Gourmet Holidays offers the perfect culinary tours. x x x

Sample the world's finest cuisine Savor internationally renowned wines Step inside different cultures

Creating Active Gourmet Holidays has allowed me to share my passions by being able to combine all of my favourite things into unique and unforgettable culinary holidays. Also, by offering outdoor activities, such as biking the hills of Burgundy or hiking the Italian Riviera, we afford you the opportunity to stay fit - all the while indulging in the gastronomic delicacies your palate desires!

Types of products: x x

x x

Cooking classes for both the sophisticated and casual cook Combination holidays for those who enjoy variety or for traveling companions with different interests - Cooking and Biking, Hiking or Yoga; Language Lessons and Cooking; Hiking and Food and Wine, and more!

Visits to famous vineyards and local food producers Small groups so as to offer a more intimate setting

If you have a passion for travel, enjoy the outdoors and possess a love for food and fine wines, browse our enticing selection of tempting escapes - exciting itineraries, a mix of breath-taking destinations and a varied price range. With Active Gourmet Holidays you can enjoy the hidden pleasures of a foreign land like never before!

Pag. 7

Dopios (from their website: www.dopios.gr) Dopios ("local" in Greek) is a community marketplace that connects travelers and locals around the world in order to offer tailor made travel experiences curated by locals as well as tips and insights. Be part of a big international community! *How it works. Dopios is just three easy steps to an awesome experience during your trip: 1. Find locals: search our database of locals with experiences, and extras to find the unique package just for you. Each local brings their own expertise and personality to the table, whatever your travel style, we've got you covered.

2. Connect and decide: so you've narrowed it down to a couple options – it's time to reach out and find your best match. Contacting locals is free, just click on their profile and send a message – be clear about what you are looking for and make sure you are on the same page.

3. Experience a better trip: you're on your way! Next step: use Dopios to book your local experiences and any extra services you may need. Pack your bags, your grand adventure awaits! *Who are the locals? The locals are a selective group of amazing people ready to give you useful advice for your upcoming trip, show you around the city from a perspective you never expected and guide you through unique experiences. *Locations: Picking from the most exciting world locations. We are starting with Athens, Greece and expanding to the world. Our goal is to give you the opportunity to go everywhere with the help of a local and to give the word unbeaten path a new meaning. *Manifest: Let's Create a Movement you Want to Participate in. "The travel experience should be much more authentic and unique for each of us. Enough with the boring and copy-paste travels.

Enough with the mediocre and rigid tour guide experiences. Enough with the inability to feel the true side of a location. The best travel stories come from trips that you knew that special someone who opened your eyes and took you off the beaten path. Let's create an amazing community of people who have the time and desire to show visitors the true colours of a place. Let's open up every last square mile of this world to be safe, unique and breath-taking to step onto. Let's make traveling better and let's never look back. We have the means and we have the passion to do so.

Pag. 8