Travelers are increasingly looking to optimize resources and time on their holidays.
For that, there is Civitatis, a leading platform in the online distribution of activities, excursions, and guided tours in Spanish worldwide, with more than 90,000 activities in 4,500 destinations in 160 countries.
Alberto Gutiérrez, Founder and CEO of the Spanish company founded in 2008 and with more than 400 million customers in its history, told TravelPulse, at Tianguis Turístico Mexico 2025, that Civitatis does not book flights or hotels, but focuses "on the essential things to do at the destination, from transfers, to tickets for shows."
Alberto Gutiérrez, Founder and CEO of Civitatis, says the platform focuses on the essential things to do at the destinations. (Photo Credit: Civitatis)
It is a platform designed for Hispanic speakers. It works with a network of more than 40,000 travel agencies and with strong key alliances with players in the tourism sector that offer a menu of 90,000 experiences around the world.
This young entrepreneur claimed that his business model complements travel planning with memorable experiences for the clients, such as guided tours, full-day excursions, museum tickets, or events (such as Broadway musicals or opera). It also includes services such as airport transfers and local mobility options.
Gutiérrez points out that Civitatis's value lies in "filling the journey" of the user: "We do not compete with airlines or hotel chains, but we complete the experience with what matters, which is to discover the destination." He explains that Civitatis's next step is to position itself as the reference marketplace for tourism activities in Spanish worldwide. Given its powerful expansion strategy, global growth is expected to reach 40 percent.
Civitatis is responsible for finding its clients' best transport, shows, and other activities. (Photo Credit: Civitatis)
When asked what sets Civitatis apart from the competition, he explains that they offer a unique approach to selecting the best provider in each activity, avoiding the user's stress of choice. "Civitatis chooses by the customer at competitive prices, guarantees availability, has customer reviews, and offers added values such as free cancellations and extras," said Gutiérrez.
Win-Win Relationship With Travel Agencies
For Alberto Gutiérrez, Civitatis' relationship with travel agencies became more of a key ally than a competitor. He said many agencies viewed them with skepticism when entering the industry. "Some saw us as competition, but others told us we fell from the sky to help them fill their customers' journeys."
"Our model focuses on complementing and not replacing agencies, which has become a bridge between traditional sales and digital experiences. An example is that you fly to Tokyo on your own, book the hotel you prefer, and with us, you buy the trains, visit a temple, tickets to a Sumo show, and so you fill up every day at your own pace," he explains.
Civitatis looks for memorable experiences for clients, such as guided tours, full-day excursions, and museum visits. (Photo Credit: Civitatis)
According to the company's CEO, Civitatis allows retail agencies to expand their catalogue without hiring suppliers. Meanwhile, for wholesalers and operators, it is a tool that completes tourist circuits. Ultimately, agencies receive commissions for each sale, with no fixed costs.
Gutiérrez said that tour and activity markets in the United States and Canada are among the most competitive in the world. Giants like Viator dominate them, but Civitatis offers the same catalogue, with better service and support in Spanish. "At the Las Vegas fair, we were told we are like Viator, but better, and we love to hear it."
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