Viator.com, a proud member of the TripAdvisor company, is the leading global provider for tours and activities. Each month, Viator reaches 350 million travel planners through Viator, TripAdvisor, 3,000 affiliate partners, and over 175,000 travel agents. Their extensive advertising campaigns on Google, Bing, and Facebook connect with customers in 10 different languages and 13 currencies. Partnering with Viator is a game-changer for tour and activity providers looking to enhance their online presence and showcase their offerings to millions of users worldwide.
Before you can get listed on Viator, there are a few steps to follow. Completing these steps will improve your chances of being listed and will ensure you take full advantage of what Viator has to offer.
Why join Viator?
No matter the type of activities or tours you offer, whether you’re a tour guide or provide walking tours of your city, being listed on Viator’s website as a supplier offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your business.
Expand your audience
As a Viator supplier, your travel experiences will be available to 350 million monthly travel planners on Viator and TripAdvisor, plus over 175,000 travel agents. This massive exposure can drive a substantial increase in bookings. You’ll also be able to participate in curated trip activities, including tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 1,500 destinations worldwide. Viator’s global advertising campaigns on major platforms like Google, Bing, Yahoo, and social media giants like Facebook will further amplify your reach. This broad exposure ensures that your tours are visible to a global audience, significantly expanding your potential customer base.
Integration with TripAdvisor
One of the standout features of being a Viator supplier is the seamless integration with TripAdvisor. Viator automatically syncs your availability with TripAdvisor, which means that your tours will be listed on one of the world’s largest travel sites. You’ll get a “Book a Tour” or “Check Availability” button right on your TripAdvisor page. This integration not only increases your visibility but also makes it incredibly convenient for travelers who are already browsing TripAdvisor for travel ideas and activities. They can easily book your tours without having to leave the site, providing a seamless booking experience.
No sign-up fees
Joining Viator is free! There are no sign-up fees or cancellation fees if you decide to discontinue your listing. Viator operates on a commission-based model, charging a standard commission rate of 20% of the advertised price. This rate is competitive with other Online Travel Agencies and ensures that you keep the majority of your earnings. The lack of upfront costs makes it easy to get started, and the commission-based model aligns Viator’s interests with yours – they make money when you make money.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Viator supplier
Becoming a Viator supplier involves several straightforward steps. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Create a Viator/TripAdvisor account
Since TripAdvisor owns Viator, you can start the process on either platform. When creating your account, you’ll need to provide details about your company, including basic company information, additional details, and contact information. After submitting your agreement to the terms and conditions, Viator will contact you via email to confirm your details. This process typically takes about 24-48 hours. Viator will then request further information, including an agreement to their commission terms and clarifications regarding your company’s liability insurance.
2. Add your experiences
Once your Viator account setup is complete, you can start adding your product listings to the platform. Access the Viator Management Center, click on the Products tab, and select ‘Manage.’ The Management Center allows you to create products and add important details like photos, pricing, availability, and descriptions. Ensure that all information is accurate and appealing to potential customers. After detailing your travel products on Viator and updating the products/experiences within your booking software, you can select the option to publish.
3. Set your negotiated rates
In your Viator Marketplace profile, set up your Negotiated Rate by clicking on ‘add agent.’ Within this tab, you will be provided with the relevant terms and conditions. If you approve, click ‘Send Your Rates,’ scroll down to ‘Rate,’ and select ‘Negotiated Rate.’ After clicking ‘Add Agent,’ your rates will be sent to Viator. Update your booking software’s negotiated rates in line with Viator’s policy to ensure consistency.
4. Connect your booking software
Now, connect your booking software to Viator. If you use Checkfront, the Checkfront team will handle this step for you, establishing the necessary connections between your Checkfront booking software and Viator. This means you can rely on the Checkfront team to manage the technical aspects of the integration, ensuring everything is set up correctly.
5. Map your products
Mapping your products on Viator to your booking software is essential for maintaining accurate data synchronization. For Checkfront users, Viator handles this step. Viator will map your products to ensure that all information is correctly aligned between the platforms, allowing for seamless operation and quicker setup. While Checkfront customers technically can perform this step, Viator’s involvement streamlines the process and often speeds things up.
6 tips for getting listed on Viator
To maximize your chances of being listed on Viator and attracting more customers, consider the following tips:
1. Offer real-time availability
Viator/TripAdvisor provides real-time booking confirmation, so you need to offer bookable spots for your tours or activities in real-time. Viator provides a calendar for tour and activity operators to update and manage availability. Most booking software providers, including Checkfront, integrate with Viator, allowing you to link your availability from your software to Viator. This integration ensures that your availability is always up-to-date, reducing the risk of overbooking and improving customer satisfaction.
2. Allow last-minute bookings
Cater to last-minute bookers by setting your minimum notice time close to your tour start time. Viator attracts many last-minute bookers who are looking for something to do on the day. By allowing last-minute bookings, you can capture this market and increase your bookings. Make sure your products are available to book by setting the minimum notice as close to the starting time as possible without compromising your ability to prepare for the tour.
3. Utilize API integration
Ensure your booking software has a strong API integration with Viator to avoid manual work. When sharing your availability with Viator, the booking information should automatically populate your CRM, sales reports, and manifest. This avoids lost customers and helps you maintain control over bookings, even with high volume. Good API integration streamlines your operations, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures that your data is always up-to-date.
4. Accept bookings in advance
Schedule your availability for up to two years in advance. Ensure your potential customers can book tours well in advance. The earlier you fill your tours, the better your chances of higher conversions. Advance bookings provide you with a steady stream of revenue and help you plan your resources more effectively.
5. Add high-quality images
High-quality photos are crucial for attracting customers. Showcase your tours with professional photos and videos that highlight the best aspects of your offerings. High-quality visuals make your listing stand out and look more appealing, increasing the likelihood of bookings. Consider investing in professional photography to ensure your images are of the highest quality.
6. Write detailed descriptions
Write unique, detailed descriptions for your tours, specifically tailored for Viator’s listing. OTAs like Viator, Expedia, and GetYourGuide prefer unique tour descriptions for easier search engine optimization. Review similar experiences already live on Viator and use a similar format. Avoid inconsistent symbols, special offers, or your email address in your submission. A well-written description not only improves your visibility in search results but also provides potential customers with all the information they need to make a booking decision.
Becoming a Viator Supplier with Checkfront
While being a Checkfront customer doesn’t guarantee becoming a Viator supplier, Viator prefers tour operators using real-time booking software integrated with them. Mentioning Checkfront in your application can be advantageous. Here’s how using Checkfront can benefit you:
Automated bookings
When you receive a booking from Viator, Checkfront automatically pushes customer information and booking details into your manifest, reports, and CRM. This automation saves time and ensures you never miss a customer or payment. By reducing the amount of manual work required, you can focus more on providing excellent customer service and improving your tours.
Simplified network management
Managing a large distribution network can be overwhelming. Checkfront’s Channel Manager simplifies this by allowing you to update availability for multiple agents in one app. Whether you have 10 or 400 agents, you can connect with most agents in the tour and activity industry, ensuring maximum capacity fill-up and efficient management. This centralized management tool makes it easier to keep track of your availability and bookings, reducing the risk of errors and double-bookings.
Seamless payment management
Checkfront streamlines payouts, ensuring that funds are automatically processed and transferred to your bank account without delays. By handling transactions effortlessly, Checkfront reduces administrative burdens and minimizes errors. You can track all payments and manage financials easily, providing a smooth and efficient payment experience for both you and your customers. This financial clarity and efficiency can help you manage your cash flow better and ensure that you are always on top of your finances.
Get started with Viator today
Viator’s extensive reach and Checkfront’s robust booking management tools can take your business to the next level. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with millions of travelers worldwide and showcase your unique travel experiences.
Have more questions on how to sell tours on Viator? Request a demo with the Checkfront team to learn how Viator can help your tour or activity company attract more customers and grow your business.
