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When was the last time someone bragged about finding the cheapest tour or activity? Exactly.
What people do talk about are the experiences that make them feel special such as VIP access to an iconic landmark or walking away with professional photos to show friends and family.
In a market saturated with 41,000+ tour operators, being memorable helps operators survive. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and AI-powered booking platforms have made it easier than ever for customers to compare tours and activities at a glance. Your carefully crafted excursion might get reduced to a tiny thumbnail image and a price tag on an endless scroll of options.
But it's great news that travelers aren't just focused on price anymore. In fact, 73% of customers say guest experience is a key factor when making purchasing decisions. That means if you can deliver something special, you’ve got a real shot at winning them over.
That’s why in this guide we’ll deep dive into value-added services (VAS). VAS, when used correctly, can make all the difference in helping you differentiate yourself while boosting your bottom line.
We know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance competitive pricing with delivering exceptional experiences. After diving deep into industry trends, talking to experts, and working closely with tour operators like yourself, we realized one thing: value-added services (VAS) is key to success in 2025.
This guide was born out of our desire to help tour and activity operators like you thrive in this fast-changing landscape. Whether you run small walking tour or large-scale excursions, this resource is designed to give you actionable insights and proven strategies to implement VAS effectively.
“Offering strategic add-ons can significantly enhance customer experience and increase revenue.
One effective add-on is professional photography or video packages, allowing guests to capture high-quality memories without relying on their own devices. This not only creates a premium experience but also encourages social media sharing, leading to organic marketing.
The key is offering add-ons that complement the core experience, making the tour more convenient, personalized, and shareable while increasing per-customer revenue without adding significant overhead.”
Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER
“At London Alpacas, our experiences take place right in the fields with our alpacas, offering visitors an authentic, hands-on encounter with these incredible animals. However, being out in nature means dealing with the elements, and sometimes that means mud. Many of our guests come from the city and don't own suitable outdoor footwear like hiking boots or rain boots. To ensure they stay comfortable and fully enjoy their visit, we offer rain boots as an add-on rental.
By providing thoughtful, experience-enhancing add-ons like this, we improve customer satisfaction while operating in a way that is both environmentally and financially sustainable.”
- Sander Van Oorschot, Business Owner, London Alpacas
With its proven engagement rates, flexibility, and revenue potential, Smiler’s AI-powered photography service is transforming how tours and activities are photographed, shared, and remembered. Businesses interested in integrating this innovative solution can contact our team by clicking the button below!
