After engaging with hundreds of multi-day tour operators at Cycle Summit and the 2025 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), Odyssey, a tour management platform, is moving beyond "just software" to solve the industry’s most persistent roadblock.
The recurring message from these global events was clear: Operators are hitting a "manual ceiling" where spreadsheets and aging legacy systems are choking growth, yet the fear of a disruptive, mid-season migration keeps them stuck in a cycle of procrastination. To solve this, Odyssey has officially launched its One Year Transition Program, a guided, 12-month partnership that synchronises with the natural rhythm of the tourism calendar to eliminate implementation stress.
"We didn't just go to Chile and Europe to show off our platform; we went to listen," says Al Check, Co-Founder of Odyssey. "We heard from Operators who are tired of being 'data entry clerks' but feel they have to choose between running their tours or fixing their tech. We created this program to prove they can do both. By handling the heavy lifting of data migration and system builds during their busiest months, we ensure they return from the field to a business that is finally ready to run seamlessly."
Key Learnings from the Events
The insights gathered at Cycle Summit and ATWS confirmed that while adventure travel is booming, the back-office infrastructure supporting it is often nearing a breaking point. Odyssey identified five critical "learnings" that shaped the structure of the new transition program:
- The "Migration Paradox" is the #1 Barrier: Operators are trapped in a loop: they are too busy to implement the software that would actually give them more time. Odyssey’s response was to move the "System Build" phase entirely into the operator’s peak season, with the Odyssey team handling the data migration in the background while the Operator focus is in the field.
- The "Spreadsheet Ceiling" is Real: For many, spreadsheets have moved from being a helpful tool to a liability. From Cycle Summit specifically, Odyssey heard how the complexity of bike sizes, dietary needs, and hotel rooming lists makes manual entry a high-risk game that directly impacts the guest experience.
- Legacy Systems are Becoming Digital Anchors: Many Operators are still using "sunsetting" software or custom-built systems that don't "talk" to modern tools. This creates data silos and prevents Operators from utilising newer technologies like AI or automated guest communications.
- Change Management is Critical: For many operators, the primary reason for delaying a move to new technology isn't the cost, it’s their staff. Operators need to carefully navigate ‘change’ with their staff. The transition program enables staff to go on the journey together, progressing at a pace that supports their needs.
- Data Readiness is a Pre-requisite for AI: While AI was a topic at both summits, Odyssey noted that most Operators lack the clean, structured data required to use it effectively. The Transition Program focuses on cleaning and centralising data first, ensuring Operators are "future-proofed" and can utilise the next wave of travel tech Odyssey is providing.
With all these barriers and the business complexity of multi-day tours, Check concluded that 14-day onboarding programs are unrealistic. Operators are often left with a burden of work that smuthers their team, leaving them stranded with an inoperable tech system and their expectations unmet.
Bridging the Gap: From "Managing Files" to "Managing Experiences"
The One Year Transition Program is designed to be a high-value journey rather than a one-time transaction. Even before the software goes live, participants receive a documented snapshot of their business bottlenecks through the Discovery Phase, providing clarity that can be used regardless of the platform they choose.
"The industry doesn't need another subscription; it needs a strategy to move away from the status quo," says Check. "By aligning our rollout with the natural 'Admin Season' in October and November for the Northern Hemisphere, we ensure that staff are trained and confident before the next year's bookings begin. We are turning a mountain ascent into a guided walk."
About Odyssey
Odyssey is a New Zealand-based industry leader in multi-day tour management software, specialising in the operational complexities of cycling and hiking tours. Spanning tour management, customers and suppliers, it eliminates the errors caused by siloed data and delivers great operational efficiency. With the ability to tailor the solution to your business model, great depth in logistics management, and a comprehensive suite of communication tools customised to your unique brand, Odyssey supports you in delivering the best customer experience. Their versatile solution adapts to your stage of business growth, giving simplicity when you need it, and great depth as you grow.
For further information on the Odyssey One Year Transition Program, visit https://www.myodyssey.app/odyssey-transition-program/