3 min read

Maximize The Summer Season: Strategies for Tour Operators

Learn how to optimize availability, offer more options, and leverage technology to capture travel demand.

Sweta Desai
Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations
In this article:
Author
Sweta Desai
Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations
Posted on:
July 21, 2024
Category:
Insights
Topics:
Engagement

Summer is here, and it's time to prepare for the busiest travel season of the year. At GetYourGuide, we've noticed some exciting trends that could help you grow your bookings and business.

Let's explore how you can make the most of this summer!

What the data says

What the data says

Historically, the summer season is the time of year when we see demand peak. Our data shows two important things:

More people book in summer: From July 15 to September 30, we see 50% more bookings compared to other times of the year.

People plan ahead: Over 20% of bookings on GetYourGuide are for future dates, with many travelers looking for activities more than a month in advance.

Even if the demand fluctuates year over year, getting summer right is essential to a sustainable business in the long-term. This means there's a big opportunity for you to attract more customers if you're prepared.

5 ways to boost summer bookings

5 simple ways to increase your summer bookings

Open up more spots
Open up more spots

Make sure you have plenty of spots available, especially from July 15 to September 30. The more spots you have open, the greater the chance customers can experience your tour. 

Example: If you usually offer two tour times per day, consider adding a third during peak summer weeks.

Recommended read: Managing the number of bookable participants 

Offer more options

Offer more options

Think about:

  • Running tours more often
  • Adding more time slots
  • Removing minimum guest requirements
  • Allowing for last-minute bookings when possible 

Example: If you normally require at least 2 people for a booking, try reducing this limit to 1 during summer to capture solo travelers.

Recommended read: Updating your cut-off time – Supply Partner Help Center | GetYourGuide 

Keep your calendar up-to-date

Keep your calendar up-to-date

While it's great to open up more spots, make sure to block out any dates when you can't run tours. This helps avoid cancellations and keeps customers happy.

Example: If you know you'll be closed for a local holiday, mark that date as unavailable well in advance.

Recommended read: Blocking and unblocking dates – Supply Partner Help Center | GetYourGuide

Get ready for more guests

Get ready for more guests

Make sure you have enough staff and equipment to handle an increase in customers. Being prepared helps you provide great experiences and get good reviews.

Example: If you expect to double your daily guests, consider hiring and training seasonal staff to maintain your service quality.

Use technology to your advantage

Use technology to your advantage

If you're not already connected to GetYourGuide through an API (a way for different software systems to talk to each other), think about setting this up. It can make managing your bookings much easier.

Example: With an API connection, when you update your availability in your booking system, it automatically updates on GetYourGuide too, saving you time and reducing errors.

Watch: Connecting Your Product to a Reservation System | Getting Started on GetYourGuide 

How to make these changes on GetYourGuide

If you're not using an API:

  1. Log into your GetYourGuide supplier account
  2. Go to your calendar and update your availability
  3. If you need help, check out our how-to guide or watch our video tutorial

If you are using an API:

  1. Update your availability in your booking system
  2. Make sure your prices are up-to-date
  3. Double-check that everything is showing correctly on GetYourGuide

Read: API Features – Supply Partner Help Center | GetYourGuide 

Why these changes matter

By following these tips, you can:

  • Increase your exposure to customers during the busy summer months
  • Show up more often when people search for activities on GetYourGuide
  • Make booking easier for customers, leading to better reviews and repeat visitors
  • Run your business more smoothly with fewer overbookings or cancellations

Read out latest Travel Experience Trend Tracker Report for more data.

We’re here to help

Summer can be an exciting time for your business. By planning ahead and using these strategies, you can make the most of the increased number of travelers looking for great experiences.

Got questions? We're here to support you.

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