Imagine getting paid to guide travelers through breathtaking hikes or historic landmarks. What if your passion could be your paycheck?
Viator, owned by TripAdvisor, is the largest tour platform with 455+ million monthly visitors. As a Viator guide, you can benefit from Viator’s global audience, top search rankings, and strong marketing.
But how do you become one?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to become a Viator tour guide.
Let’s get started!
How Does Viator Work?
Viator connects travelers with independent guides and tour companies, offering secure booking and seamless payments.
Unlike GetYourGuide’s European focus or Airbnb Experiences’ accommodation ties, Viator stands out with:
- TripAdvisor integration: Tours appear directly on TripAdvisor
- Wider reach: Viator’s distribution network spans thousands of partners, hotels, and airlines.
- Search engine dominance: Over half of Viator’s bookings come organically from search engines.
Beth Crowley, owner of Witch City Walking Tours in Salem, Massachusetts, saw her business boom after listing on Viator.
"Viator has brought a volume of guests to our tours that I couldn’t have imagined... With my 18 tour guides, we’re selling out tours and already outperforming our last year!"
Beth’s experience is a testament to how Viator can help tour operators scale effortlessly and drive real business growth.
Requirements to Become a Viator Tour Guide
To become a Viator tour guide, you must meet Viator's eligibility requirements:
- At least 18 years old.
- Must upload valid business documentation and permits.
- Have in-depth knowledge and tour guide skills to create engaging experiences.
- Needs to review terms and conditions before applying.
Also, you must complete a verification process (with a small, nonrefundable fee) to ensure your listings are positioned for success. Meeting these requirements aligns with Viator’s standards, builds trust, and boosts bookings.
Note: This is not a job or an employment opportunity. It’s a business—no interviews, no training/certification required.
How to Become a Viator Supplier
Becoming a Viator Supplier is your gateway to a global audience. If you qualify, here’s how to apply:
1. Create a Viator Supplier Account
Getting started with Viator is simple. Follow these steps to set up your account:
- Visit Viator's Supplier Page and sign up using your email address.
- Create and submit your Tripadvisor listing.
- Enter business information, including contact info and payment preferences.
Note: As a Viator Supplier, you get paid via PayPal, direct bank transfer, or Payoneer (for Brazilian real and Indian rupees).
Meet Steve Huskanovic, the mastermind behind The New York Nightlife.
Steve hustled through college as a tour guide, but Viator changed everything. After setting up his account, adding photos, and crafting titles, bookings soared in a month—proving Viator can drive quick success.
2. Set Up Your Tour Listings
Your tour description is your sales pitch. It needs to grab attention and excite travelers to book.
For example:
- Weak Listing: "Join our boat tour and see some cool places. Fun for all!"
- Strong Listing: "Experience a luxury sunset cruise in Miami—spot dolphins, sip a drink, and admire breathtaking skyline views. Perfect for couples and small groups!"
Make sure to create a well-optimized listing for more bookings and better rankings. Here’s how:
- Use clear, engaging descriptions that highlight unique experiences.
- Add professional, high-quality images that highlight the tour experience.
- Set competitive pricing that matches travelers' expectations.
- Include important details like availability, duration, meeting points, and what's included.
Understand Viator’s Commission Structure
Viator takes a commission of ~25% per booking. So, if you list a $100 tour experience, you earn $75 per booking. Adjust your prices accordingly.
Viator’s commission is slightly higher than GetYourGuide (20-30%) or Airbnb Experiences (20%); its massive search traffic and Tripadvisor advantage often result in higher booking volumes.
3. Improve Your Listing for Better Visibility
Viator’s search engine ranks tours based on relevance, so you should optimize listings for better visibility based on SEO best practices.
Here are tips to make your tour rank higher:
- Use high-value keywords: Add popular terms like "sunset boat tour" or "bike rental in NYC" naturally.
- Write a compelling first sentence: Hook travelers with a compelling first sentence.
- Encourage guest reviews: Higher ratings (4.7+ stars up) boost search rankings and bookings.
- Optimize your pricing: Competitive rates improve search visibility.
For example, don’t say:
"Take a fun boat ride with us and enjoy some drinks!"
Instead, say:
"Experience the #1 Rated Sunset Cruise in Key West! Cruise past historic landmarks, sip on unlimited cocktails, and watch the sun melt into the ocean. Book now for an unforgettable evening!"
See how enticing it is with the keywords? Now, combine that with competitive pricing and good reviews, and you’re all set for success.
Of course, you must maintain up-to-date tour information and should provide high-quality tour experiences as well. Make sure that you can offer unique and exclusive experiences.
How Do Customer Cancellations Work on Viator?
Viator’s default cancellation policy prioritizes traveler confidence while protecting tour operators’ earnings. They offer a 100% refund for cancellations made 24+ hours before the experience. No refund is required for cancellations within 24 hours.
Flexible policies boost bookings by giving travelers confidence because they’re more likely to book when they know they can cancel easily if plans change. But you can also set stricter terms to better control bookings and revenue.
Benefits of Becoming a Viator Tour Guide
Imagine making a living sharing your favorite places and experiences with the world. Here's why thousands of tour guides trust Viator for their listings:
- Higher Earnings: Tap into bookings from 455+ million monthly visitors.
- Global Exposure: Showcase tours on Tripadvisor, Viator, and 3,500+ partner sites.
- Marketing Support: Handle SEO and ads without extra cost.
- Built-In Credibility: Gain trust with Tripadvisor reviews and Viator’s reputation.
Remember Beth Crowley with her Witch City Walking Tours in Salem? Initially, Beth struggled to reach tourists. But after joining Viator, everything changed.
Viator’s SEO power and automated bookings let her focus on sharing Salem’s history. With Viator, turning your passion into a profitable business is just a listing away.
How to Get Paid from Viator
Getting paid through Viator is straightforward and designed to keep your cash flow smooth. Here's how it works:
- Bank Transfers: Viator's primary method is bank-to-bank transfers. Payments are typically processed within 21 business days after the event.
- PayPal: Viator offers weekly PayPal payouts for bookings that occurred during the previous week.
- Payoneer: Only available for the Brazilian real and Indian rupee.
Viator’s payment schedule ensures timely, hassle-free payouts, making finances easier to manage like a reliable conveyor belt. Just wait for it to arrive, and done! All within schedule.
Tips to Succeed as a Viator Tour Guide
Now that you know the basics, here’s a quick rundown on how you can succeed as a Viator tour guide:
- Optimize your listings for SEO.
- Offer competitive pricing and flexible booking options.
- Encourage and show positive reviews.
- Continuously update and improve your offerings.
Take Amigo Tours, a prime example of how embracing technology transforms a business. They mastered Viator and SEO best practices. Now, they’re hosting over 1 million customers per year!
The same strategies can work for you. It enhances visibility, builds trust, and keeps experiences fresh and flexible for everyone.
How Peek Pro Enhances Tour Operations Along with Viator
Viator helps you attract bookings, but what about managing your business efficiently?
This is where Peek Pro comes in. From real-time booking management to mobile app management, Peek Pro handles the backend so you can focus on delivering epic experiences.
Request a demo for better business management today!
Alternative Platforms to Consider Alongside Viator
While Viator is a global leader in tour bookings, diversifying across multiple platforms maximizes your reach and revenue potential.
Use the following in combination with Viator:
Tip: Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Test across multiple platforms to see which performs best for your business!
Key Takeaways
- Viator boosts bookings and global exposure for guides.
- Learn SEO and optimize listings for better visibility.
- Use Peek Pro with Viator for seamless management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Become a Viator Guide if You Don’t Have a Business?
Yes. Viator allows individuals to sign up as independent tour guides if they’re 18+ and meet local legal requirements, such as permits.
Can You Make a Full-Time Income on Viator?
Yes. You can earn full-time if you have a steady customer base and are well-reviewed. Offer unique experiences, optimize listings for SEO, and collect positive reviews to get more customers.
Can You List Multiple Tours on Viator?
Yes. Viator allows multiple listings. You can customize tour offerings and schedules, such as offering tours at various times, targeting different customer groups, or adding complementary activities like bike tours with food tastings.
Table of contents
Imagine getting paid to guide travelers through breathtaking hikes or historic landmarks. What if your passion could be your paycheck?
Viator, owned by TripAdvisor, is the largest tour platform with 455+ million monthly visitors. As a Viator guide, you can benefit from Viator’s global audience, top search rankings, and strong marketing.
But how do you become one?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to become a Viator tour guide.
Let’s get started!
How Does Viator Work?
Viator connects travelers with independent guides and tour companies, offering secure booking and seamless payments.
Unlike GetYourGuide’s European focus or Airbnb Experiences’ accommodation ties, Viator stands out with:
- TripAdvisor integration: Tours appear directly on TripAdvisor
- Wider reach: Viator’s distribution network spans thousands of partners, hotels, and airlines.
- Search engine dominance: Over half of Viator’s bookings come organically from search engines.
Beth Crowley, owner of Witch City Walking Tours in Salem, Massachusetts, saw her business boom after listing on Viator.
"Viator has brought a volume of guests to our tours that I couldn’t have imagined... With my 18 tour guides, we’re selling out tours and already outperforming our last year!"
Beth’s experience is a testament to how Viator can help tour operators scale effortlessly and drive real business growth.
Requirements to Become a Viator Tour Guide
To become a Viator tour guide, you must meet Viator's eligibility requirements:
- At least 18 years old.
- Must upload valid business documentation and permits.
- Have in-depth knowledge and tour guide skills to create engaging experiences.
- Needs to review terms and conditions before applying.
Also, you must complete a verification process (with a small, nonrefundable fee) to ensure your listings are positioned for success. Meeting these requirements aligns with Viator’s standards, builds trust, and boosts bookings.
Note: This is not a job or an employment opportunity. It’s a business—no interviews, no training/certification required.
How to Become a Viator Supplier
Becoming a Viator Supplier is your gateway to a global audience. If you qualify, here’s how to apply:
1. Create a Viator Supplier Account
Getting started with Viator is simple. Follow these steps to set up your account:
- Visit Viator's Supplier Page and sign up using your email address.
- Create and submit your Tripadvisor listing.
- Enter business information, including contact info and payment preferences.
Note: As a Viator Supplier, you get paid via PayPal, direct bank transfer, or Payoneer (for Brazilian real and Indian rupees).
Meet Steve Huskanovic, the mastermind behind The New York Nightlife.
Steve hustled through college as a tour guide, but Viator changed everything. After setting up his account, adding photos, and crafting titles, bookings soared in a month—proving Viator can drive quick success.
2. Set Up Your Tour Listings
Your tour description is your sales pitch. It needs to grab attention and excite travelers to book.
For example:
- Weak Listing: "Join our boat tour and see some cool places. Fun for all!"
- Strong Listing: "Experience a luxury sunset cruise in Miami—spot dolphins, sip a drink, and admire breathtaking skyline views. Perfect for couples and small groups!"
Make sure to create a well-optimized listing for more bookings and better rankings. Here’s how:
- Use clear, engaging descriptions that highlight unique experiences.
- Add professional, high-quality images that highlight the tour experience.
- Set competitive pricing that matches travelers' expectations.
- Include important details like availability, duration, meeting points, and what's included.
Understand Viator’s Commission Structure
Viator takes a commission of ~25% per booking. So, if you list a $100 tour experience, you earn $75 per booking. Adjust your prices accordingly.
Viator’s commission is slightly higher than GetYourGuide (20-30%) or Airbnb Experiences (20%); its massive search traffic and Tripadvisor advantage often result in higher booking volumes.
3. Improve Your Listing for Better Visibility
Viator’s search engine ranks tours based on relevance, so you should optimize listings for better visibility based on SEO best practices.
Here are tips to make your tour rank higher:
- Use high-value keywords: Add popular terms like "sunset boat tour" or "bike rental in NYC" naturally.
- Write a compelling first sentence: Hook travelers with a compelling first sentence.
- Encourage guest reviews: Higher ratings (4.7+ stars up) boost search rankings and bookings.
- Optimize your pricing: Competitive rates improve search visibility.
For example, don’t say:
"Take a fun boat ride with us and enjoy some drinks!"
Instead, say:
"Experience the #1 Rated Sunset Cruise in Key West! Cruise past historic landmarks, sip on unlimited cocktails, and watch the sun melt into the ocean. Book now for an unforgettable evening!"
See how enticing it is with the keywords? Now, combine that with competitive pricing and good reviews, and you’re all set for success.
Of course, you must maintain up-to-date tour information and should provide high-quality tour experiences as well. Make sure that you can offer unique and exclusive experiences.
How Do Customer Cancellations Work on Viator?
Viator’s default cancellation policy prioritizes traveler confidence while protecting tour operators’ earnings. They offer a 100% refund for cancellations made 24+ hours before the experience. No refund is required for cancellations within 24 hours.
Flexible policies boost bookings by giving travelers confidence because they’re more likely to book when they know they can cancel easily if plans change. But you can also set stricter terms to better control bookings and revenue.
Benefits of Becoming a Viator Tour Guide
Imagine making a living sharing your favorite places and experiences with the world. Here's why thousands of tour guides trust Viator for their listings:
- Higher Earnings: Tap into bookings from 455+ million monthly visitors.
- Global Exposure: Showcase tours on Tripadvisor, Viator, and 3,500+ partner sites.
- Marketing Support: Handle SEO and ads without extra cost.
- Built-In Credibility: Gain trust with Tripadvisor reviews and Viator’s reputation.
Remember Beth Crowley with her Witch City Walking Tours in Salem? Initially, Beth struggled to reach tourists. But after joining Viator, everything changed.
Viator’s SEO power and automated bookings let her focus on sharing Salem’s history. With Viator, turning your passion into a profitable business is just a listing away.
How to Get Paid from Viator
Getting paid through Viator is straightforward and designed to keep your cash flow smooth. Here's how it works:
- Bank Transfers: Viator's primary method is bank-to-bank transfers. Payments are typically processed within 21 business days after the event.
- PayPal: Viator offers weekly PayPal payouts for bookings that occurred during the previous week.
- Payoneer: Only available for the Brazilian real and Indian rupee.
Viator’s payment schedule ensures timely, hassle-free payouts, making finances easier to manage like a reliable conveyor belt. Just wait for it to arrive, and done! All within schedule.
Tips to Succeed as a Viator Tour Guide
Now that you know the basics, here’s a quick rundown on how you can succeed as a Viator tour guide:
- Optimize your listings for SEO.
- Offer competitive pricing and flexible booking options.
- Encourage and show positive reviews.
- Continuously update and improve your offerings.
Take Amigo Tours, a prime example of how embracing technology transforms a business. They mastered Viator and SEO best practices. Now, they’re hosting over 1 million customers per year!
The same strategies can work for you. It enhances visibility, builds trust, and keeps experiences fresh and flexible for everyone.
How Peek Pro Enhances Tour Operations Along with Viator
Viator helps you attract bookings, but what about managing your business efficiently?
This is where Peek Pro comes in. From real-time booking management to mobile app management, Peek Pro handles the backend so you can focus on delivering epic experiences.
Request a demo for better business management today!
Alternative Platforms to Consider Alongside Viator
While Viator is a global leader in tour bookings, diversifying across multiple platforms maximizes your reach and revenue potential.
Use the following in combination with Viator:
Tip: Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Test across multiple platforms to see which performs best for your business!
Key Takeaways
- Viator boosts bookings and global exposure for guides.
- Learn SEO and optimize listings for better visibility.
- Use Peek Pro with Viator for seamless management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Become a Viator Guide if You Don’t Have a Business?
Yes. Viator allows individuals to sign up as independent tour guides if they’re 18+ and meet local legal requirements, such as permits.
Can You Make a Full-Time Income on Viator?
Yes. You can earn full-time if you have a steady customer base and are well-reviewed. Offer unique experiences, optimize listings for SEO, and collect positive reviews to get more customers.
Can You List Multiple Tours on Viator?
Yes. Viator allows multiple listings. You can customize tour offerings and schedules, such as offering tours at various times, targeting different customer groups, or adding complementary activities like bike tours with food tastings.
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