Podcast: Partnering with GetYourGuide — What tour operators should know

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Growth Powered by FareHarbor – Unlock Earnings with GetYourGuide

Host: Rebecca Costley

Guest: Allie, Senior Account Executive at GetYourGuide

Episode overview

In this episode, recorded live from the FareHarbor Meetup in Toronto, Rebecca chats with Allie from GetYourGuide — one of the leading OTAs (online travel agencies) in the world. Allie brings an insider perspective on how tour operators can maximize visibility and bookings by partnering with GetYourGuide.

From the value of powerful marketing partnerships to the secret behind positive reviews (hint: it’s all about the human connection), this episode is full of real-world insights for operators who want to grow smarter and scale confidently. Plus, you’ll hear why Allie loves working with small businesses and how GetYourGuide is using tech to make the process smoother for both operators and travelers.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get listed — and get noticed — on a global platform, this conversation delivers the goods.

Key takeaways

1. GetYourGuide isn’t just another OTA — it’s a global marketing partner with powerful insights

GetYourGuide helps operators reach a massive international audience through more than 2,500 strategic partnerships — from Netflix and Hulu ads to airline confirmation emails. Their global scale means your tour could be featured in front of someone booking a flight into Toronto or planning a weekend in New York — all without upfront costs.

Beyond visibility, GetYourGuide brings value through data. Their semiannual Travel Trend Tracker highlights what travelers are booking, where they’re going, and what experiences stand out. It’s a must-read for any operator wanting to align with current demand and customer behavior.

2. Their supplier verification process protects both you and your customers

One common misconception is that the listing process is slow for no reason. In reality, GetYourGuide has a robust supplier verification system in place — and it’s designed to protect everyone. They work with a third-party provider to verify identity, business registration, and other essential documentation before a listing goes live.

This process helps eliminate bots, scams, and low-quality listings that could hurt trust in the platform. While there may be a temporary backlog, Allie confirms that it’s a short-term situation. Once approved, operators benefit from a secure and reputable environment that fosters customer confidence and drives bookings.

3. A great listing starts with clarity, visual storytelling, and local detail

If your product page is confusing or generic, travelers will keep scrolling. The best-performing listings on GetYourGuide use short descriptions and titles that clearly highlight the activity, location, and experience. For example, don’t just say “walking tour” — say “Chinatown food walking tour in NYC” and mention it again in the short description to help it surface in searches.

Photos also matter. Including images of real people enjoying the experience helps bookers picture themselves there. Allie even recommends running a friends-and-family tour to capture strong imagery before your listing goes live. 

And don’t forget to manage expectations by being clear about seasonal variations, meeting points, or weather-related changes — transparency builds trust and prevents negative reviews.

4. Reviews aren’t just social proof — they’re performance drivers

Reviews carry major weight on GetYourGuide, and it’s not just about star ratings. Their newest Travel Trend Tracker focused specifically on reviews, and Allie revealed that 25% of positive reviews mentioned a moment where something went wrong — but the operator handled it well. 

The takeaway? A flawless tour isn’t required, but how you respond when things go off-script matters.

Operators can now respond to reviews directly on the platform — a long-awaited feature. This allows you to add context, acknowledge feedback, and show future customers how you handle challenges. 

Plus, tours that offer a strong human connection — like guided experiences or vehicle-based activities — tend to get more reviews organically, thanks to the emotional impact of personal interaction.

5. Common misconceptions: No, GetYourGuide doesn’t discount your tours

One of the biggest misunderstandings operators have is the belief that GetYourGuide will undercut their pricing. That’s not the case. GetYourGuide is not a discounter — they aim to sell your tours at the same retail price you do. 

Their goal is to amplify your reach, not compete with you on price. Any commission or group rate you agree to goes directly into funding their global marketing efforts — including Netflix ads, international airline partnerships, and more.

Another misconception is that it costs money to get started. In reality, GetYourGuide is fully revenue-share based. You don’t pay upfront to join or list — you only pay a commission when you get bookings. 

That structure allows operators of all sizes to tap into global demand without the risk or budget of running ads themselves. As Allie puts it, their goal is to expand your market, not cut into it.

Links mentioned in the episode

• GetYourGuide Supplier Sign-Up
• GetYourGuide Travel Trend Tracker (latest edition) 
• FareHarbor Meetups & Events
  

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