Angela Barbato

What first inspired you to work in travel technology?

My background in product management across travel-related businesses, starting with operations and franchise strategy at Avis Budget Group and later steering product expansion at Fareportal, gave me a ground-level view of how deeply technology can influence customer experiences in travel. When I transitioned to Peek as Senior Director (now VP) of Product Management, I saw an opportunity to bring transformative digital tools to tours and activities, connecting people to unforgettable experiences through intuitive,  powerful tech.

What advice would you share with women pursuing careers in a male-dominated field, like tech?

Authenticity has been the foundation of my success. I’ve found that staying true to who I am in how I lead, communicate, and make decisions has allowed me to build trust, influence change, and drive results. In environments where you might feel pressure to fit a mold, bringing your full self to the table is not just empowering—it’s strategic. Be confident in your perspective, advocate for others, and surround yourself with people who recognize and elevate your voice.

What’s your next personal trip, and what excites you most about it?

I’m planning to go back to my roots in Tropea, Italy. I grew up spending my summers there, and it’s always been my happy place the people, the scenery, the culture it all holds a special place in my heart. This trip is especially meaningful because I’ll be bringing my son with me. Family is incredibly important to me, and I want him to experience where we come from, to walk the same streets, swim in the same sea, and feel connected to the place that shaped so much of who I am. It’s more than just a vacation—it’s a homecoming, a chance to pass down a piece of our story, and to create new memories together as a family.

What’s your favorite industry trade show or conference to attend, and why?

Conferences like Arival (focused on tours, activities, and experiences) deeply resonate with me. They bring together operators, platforms, and innovators in a way that’s both intensely practical and deeply inspiring a perfect match for Peek’s mission.

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Angela Barbato friends

How has your own travel experience influenced the way you approach product design?

My travels expose me to diverse cultures, experiences, and expectations. Encountering both seamless bookings and confusing itineraries helps me ground product decisions in empathy. I always ask: How would this feel if I were planning this for my family or friends? That user-first empathy ensures our solutions are intuitive, trustworthy, and stress-free.

How do you balance customer requests with your long-term product vision?

It’s a careful balancing act. I listen deeply to operator and traveler feedback, especially when we see overlapping themes. Then we evaluate requests against our strategic roadmap. If a new ask accelerates our mission and scales impact, we act. If not, we invest in doing something more elegant and sustainable later. Strong prioritization frameworks and open dialogue with stakeholders keep the balance aligned and strategic.

Where do you see activity booking technology three to five years from now?

The future will see activity-booking platforms evolve into full-fledged experience platforms:

  • AI-powered personalization — anticipating needs, preferences, and group dynamics.
  • Smart automation — streamlining bookings, dynamic pricing, and customer support.
  • Rich integrations — connecting bookings with transport, accommodation, local guides, and itinerary design. Operators will benefit from unified dashboards, reducing administrative overhead so they can focus on creating truly memorable experiences. Peek, which already powers seamless booking and operator empowerment via Peek Pro and our curated offerings, is well–poised to lead this transformation.

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