OCTO, the not-for-profit association dedicated to advancing a connectivity standard for the tours, activities, and attractions sector, announced today that it has surpassed 130 resellers and technology providers utilizing its open specification. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to streamline and standardize distribution connectivity across the industry.
Founded in 2022 by a consortium of technology providers, distributors, and industry organizations, OCTO aims to enhance connectivity within the tours, activities, attractions, and experiences sector. With its membership now at 75, OCTO offers an open-source specification designed to facilitate seamless integration between various systems used by experience providers, tour operators, activity providers, and resellers. The organization’s API specification can serve as a framework for new API connections or complement existing ones.
“Reaching over 130 users highlights the industry’s acknowledgment of OCTO’s value and the critical need it addresses,” said Carrie Keplinger, Executive Director of OCTO. “The current fragmented booking system and API landscape creates unnecessary challenges. OCTO is addressing this issue by promoting a unified standard that allows businesses to connect more efficiently and concentrate on delivering exceptional experiences.”
Arival, a leading platform for events and intelligence in the in-destination experiences sector, has played a crucial role in supporting OCTO by facilitating meetings at its events. The forthcoming Arival 360 San Diego conference, scheduled from September 30 to October 3, 2024, at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, will provide a valuable venue for industry leaders to discuss and collaborate on OCTO’s ongoing development. Arival 360 is designed to connect solution-oriented creators and sellers within the tours, activities, attractions, and experiences industry, offering important insights and networking opportunities.
“We are delighted to have Arival’s support for OCTO’s mission of simplifying connectivity,” Keplinger added. “The Arival 360 event in San Diego will be an excellent opportunity for the industry to come together and explore how OCTO can further enhance the sector.”
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