Guided neighborhood walks, cooking classes… The business of travel “experiences” is booming

More and more French people are looking for activities—both traditional and unusual—during their vacations. Major tourism platforms (Booking, Airbnb, GetYourGuide, etc.) are jumping into the breach to conquer a growing market.
By Aurélie LebelleThe holiday countdown has begun. While most French people have booked train or plane tickets and accommodation, some are rushing to organize unforgettable activities to enjoy on-site. Museum visits, guided walks through a neighborhood, cooking classes , or boat trips: these "experiences"—classic or unusual—are attracting more and more travelers. The phenomenon is nothing new.
Previously, vacationers would queue up outside museums or book guided tours using the brochures found in their hotels. "Now, people are planning ahead for these outings ," explains Lucas Glowinski, the French brand manager for GetYourGuide, one of the leaders in the sector. "68% of them place experiences at the heart of their trip. They don't just want to go to a city, but to live it, to feel emotions and take home very strong memories."
Le Parisien