As the number one sightseeing tour agency in Paris, Paris City Vision has been helping travellers create unforgettable memories across France since 1929. Come along as we explore what keeps a legacy brand like Paris City Vision competitive in today’s travel landscape.
Sneak peek: it’s automation, innovation, and a travel tech partner that has evolved alongside them every step of the way.
We spoke with Giovanni Maciocco, International Sales Director at Paris City Vision, to learn how TourCMS and Palisis have helped streamline their operations, simplify connections, and drive measurable growth over the past decade.
An evolving, longstanding partnership
Paris City Vision began working with TourCMS in 2012, before it became part of Palisis. Back then, their primary need was simple: eliminate the manual booking processes that couldn’t keep pace with demand. They needed something faster and more reliable. What began as a search for better tools became a deep digital transformation.
“At the beginning, it was like working with a one-man orchestra,” Giovanni explained. “Then it became a band. Now, it’s a full orchestra—with every instrument fine-tuned, everyone playing in harmony.”
Over the years, Paris City Vision has used TourCMS to build direct connections with online travel agents (OTAs) and resellers, creating a central hub that automates booking processes and ensures accurate, real-time availability. As a result, their entire operation has become more agile and far less exposed to human error.
Streamlining sales with travel technology
Channel management hasn’t just made operations more efficient—it’s reshaped how Paris City Vision sells.
“Back in 2014, I realised I wasn’t just selling our tours anymore,” Giovanni shared. “I was selling the API. I had to teach other operators how to connect to us. Tech became a product—and now, it’s a weapon.”
That shift was transformative. Before implementing TourCMS and Palisis, Paris City Vision’s sales and booking department had 20 staff members. Today, just six; 100% of bookings are now handled through technology. It shows how powerful the right travel technology can be, especially for businesses with large volumes and fast-moving operations.
Paris City Vision’s sales team now regularly educates partners on leveraging the system by connecting to channel management, transforming connectivity from a technical requirement into a sales advantage.
Global channel manager for a global audience
Paris City Vision’s traveller demographic reflects Paris’s global draw:
- 50% from the U.S.
- 13% from Spain (a market known for prioritising activities)
- The rest from South America, Southeast Asia, Japan, India, and Australia/New Zealand
To serve this diverse audience, Paris City Vision historically operated in up to seven languages, which TourCMS helped them implement. Today, while they primarily operate in French, English and Spanish, they continue to serve international travellers through multilingual guides and curated experiences—from Eiffel Tower dinners to Versailles day trips and beyond.
Having a reliable tech infrastructure and channel manager is crucial to serving this global audience.
“The system is solid,” Giovanni said. “I believe in the machine.”
The Palisis difference
When asked to describe Palisis and TourCMS channel management in one word, Giovanni didn’t hesitate: “Solid.” But perhaps the most telling part of the partnership is his loyalty.
“I’ve been very faithful to Palisis,” he shared. “More than a normally constituted Italian should be,” he joked. “But that’s because it’s been a great collaboration.”
Over the last 12+ years, Palisis and TourCMS have grown alongside Paris City Vision—helping them scale, simplify, and stay ahead in a competitive market. As Giovanni prepares for his final season before retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation and resilience powered by trusted travel tech.
About Paris City Vision
With more than 220 excursions, a team of 300+ guides, and nearly a century of history, Paris City Vision is the leader in sightseeing tours and activities in Paris and across France. From Seine River cruises to day trips to Mont Saint-Michel, they offer unforgettable experiences designed to immerse travellers in the beauty and culture of France.
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