Pub crawls have been a popular pastime for many years, and have gained even more attention through popular culture. In particular, the 2013 movie “The World's End” showcased the concept of a pub crawl uniquely, highlighting the camaraderie and fun that comes with hopping from pub to pub. To shed some light on the future of pub crawls, we are joined today by tourism expert Pascal Cabart.

TravelBlog.org: Good afternoon, Pascal, thank you for joining us today. Could you please introduce yourself and your expertise in the tourism industry?

Pascal Cabart: Thank you for having me. My name is Pascal Cabart, and I am a web designer and online marketing expert. I have been working with clients in the tourism industry for over a decade, creating countless websites and managing their Google Ads campaigns.

TravelBlog.org: Did you ever join a pub crawl yourself, and where was it?

Pascal Cabart: Yes, I have been on a few pub crawls in my travels. One that stands out was the pub crawl in Berlin, Germany. I had joined the crawl as a result of a client from my web design business who had recommended it to me. During the experience, I was struck by how smoothly the event was run, with all payments handled online rather than with cash. It was a great opportunity to socialize with other travelers and experience the vibrant nightlife of Berlin

TravelBlog.org: That’s great. So, could you tell us a bit about the concept of pub crawls and why they have become such a popular form of entertainment for tourists?

Pascal Cabart: Certainly. Pub crawls are essentially a type of late night walking tour that takes place in multiple pubs or bars. Participants move from one establishment to another, sampling drinks and socializing along the way. It’s a unique type of event since it requires no gear to set up, it’s highly digitized, and it’s an easy way to experience the nightlife of a new city.

TravelBlog.org: That’s interesting. Could you expand on how pub crawls are highly digitized?

Pascal Cabart: Yes, of course. Pub crawl guides have no cash registers with them since it's just a late-night walking tour, and therefore they don't have any change on location. All payments for the pub crawls are done online, and paying with cash is often not even possible. This not only streamlines the payment process, but also provides a more secure transaction for both the organizers and the participants.

TravelBlog.org: In terms of the business side of pub crawls, can you tell us more about how organizers market and sell their tours?

Pascal Cabart: Certainly. Organizers of pub crawls typically rely on online marketing and sales, as well as partnerships with travel agencies and other affiliates. However, creating a website for every pub crawl organizer with their own booking system can be a challenge. It requires a lot of time, effort, and resources to set up and maintain a functional website that can handle online bookings and payments. As a result, many pub crawl organizers choose to sell their tours through third-party travel agent websites and affiliates.

TravelBlog.org: That’s interesting. How do affiliates fit into the travel industry?

Pascal Cabart: Affiliates are a crucial component of the travel industry, since not all organizers can create and maintain functional websites for online bookings and payments. Affiliates can help to promote and sell pub crawls to a larger audience through their established networks and marketing channels, providing a valuable platform for smaller organizers to increase visibility and reach potential customers. Partnering with affiliates can also offer access to their expertise in online marketing and sales, leading to increased revenue and growth for travel businesses.

TravelBlog.org: That’s fascinating. With the pandemic now behind us and travel slowly recovering, what are your thoughts on the future of pub crawls?

Pascal Cabart: The tourism industry, including pub crawls, has certainly taken a hit during the pandemic. However, with the travel industry starting to recover, I believe that pub crawls will become popular again as people start exploring new destinations and experiences.

TravelBlog.org: Thank you for sharing that with us. Can you also tell us about some of the challenges that pub crawl organizers face when planning and executing their events?

Pascal Cabart: Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges is working with bars and pubs that are willing to participate in the event. Some establishments may be hesitant to host a large group of people, especially if they are not familiar with the pub crawl concept. Additionally, pub crawl organizers need to ensure that all participants are of legal drinking age and that they are able to safely move from one location to another. It's also important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather or unexpected issues with a particular establishment.

TravelBlog.org: That's good to know. In terms of the future of pub crawls, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for the industry?

Pascal Cabart: I think that the biggest opportunity is to continue to innovate and create unique and engaging experiences for participants. With the rise of sustainable and responsible tourism, there is also an opportunity to make pub crawls more socially responsible. However, the challenge will be to balance these trends with the traditional aspects of pub crawls that make them so popular. It's also essential to address any safety concerns and to ensure that pub crawls remain a safe and enjoyable activity for everyone involved.

TravelBlog.org: That's great advice. So, how do you see the role of technology evolving in the pub crawl industry in the coming years?

Pascal Cabart: I think that technology will play an even more important role in the pub crawl industry in the future. We are already seeing more customized and personalized experiences being offered through the use of mobile apps and other digital platforms. Additionally, technology can be used to improve safety measures and facilitate online payments, making the booking process easier and more secure for both organizers and participants.

TravelBlog.org: That's exciting to hear. How can pub crawl organizers leverage technology to improve their business?

Pascal Cabart: There are many ways that pub crawl organizers can leverage technology to improve their business. For example, they can use social media and other digital marketing channels to promote their events and reach a wider audience. Additionally, they can use online booking and payment processing systems to streamline the booking process and provide a more convenient and secure payment method for participants.

TravelBlog.org: Those are great suggestions. Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is interested in organizing their own pub crawl?

Pascal Cabart: My advice would be to start small and focus on creating a unique and memorable experience for participants. You don't need to have a lot of pubs or a large group to make a great pub crawl. What's important is that you create a fun and engaging experience that people will want to come back to. It's also critical to be mindful of safety measures and to work with pubs and bars that share your values on sustainability and responsible tourism.

TravelBlog.org: That's excellent advice. Thank you for joining us today, Pascal. It's been a pleasure speaking with you.

Pascal Cabart: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure.