People Don't Book Tours Because of Destinations. They Book Because of Trust.
Twelve years ago, I thought people booked tours because of destinations. Today, I'm convinced they book because of trust.
Over the years I've learned something that always felt backwards.
You can read hundreds of reviews, compare prices, and browse beautiful photos of Chichen Itza or Tulum, yet you'll probably never meet the person you'll actually spend the day with until they're standing in your hotel lobby.
So we're changing it.
This week I sat down with our guide team to introduce one of the website features I'm most proud of. Every guide now has the opportunity to build a personal profile, share their story, publish photos and experiences from the field, and, whenever operations allow, even be requested during the booking process.
It's a win for everyone. Travelers gain confidence by getting to know the people behind the experience.
Our guides receive the visibility they deserve for the incredible work they do every day.
And as a company, we take another step toward something I've believed in since day one: transparency builds trust.
Interestingly, the meeting wasn't really about technology. It was about culture.
The first reaction was hesitation. By the end, the room was full of ideas, questions, and excitement. Watching that shift reminded me that innovation isn't just about launching new features; it's about bringing people along on the journey.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you think knowing your guide before booking would make you feel more confident choosing a tour?
Originally published on LinkedIn on July 2, 2026.