01Why direct bookings matter
Marketplaces are useful for reach, but they are expensive. Arival reported in 2025 that GetYourGuide's commission for some operators rose from 20% to 30%. 1 Every booking through your own website keeps that margin, and the customer's details stay with you for the next trip.
The aim is not to leave the marketplaces. It is to make your own website the place where repeat guests, referrals and searchers book.
02Features that turn visitors into enquiries
- Fast tour search and filters by destination, duration, season and travel style
- Itineraries that answer everything: day by day, driving times, where you sleep, what is included and what is not
- A quick route to a person: quote forms pre-filled from the tour, plus WhatsApp
- Trust: licences, registration, real reviews and clear booking conditions
- Languages for the markets you serve
- Speed on phones, because many travellers plan on their phone
03Two live examples
Visit Morocco Tours is a Blaze build: instant search across 198 experiences, eight filter groups, a “My Souk” saved list, a five-step quote planner and an admin panel with automatic Instagram sync.
Morocco My Trip is an Ember build: a scroll-told road-trip header, a month picker, a one-line trip builder that becomes a WhatsApp message, and four languages.
See both, with recordings, on our work page.
04Be found where travellers search
Travellers search for destinations and experiences, not company names. Build a page for each destination and tour type, and answer the real questions: best season, how long to stay, how to get there and what it costs.
For local visibility, Google says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance, and popularity
, and recommends a verified, complete Business Profile, replies to reviews and real photos. 2 For AI search, see how AI tools choose which businesses to recommend.
FAQQuestions people ask
Should tour operators stop using marketplaces?
No. Use them for reach, and build your own website so repeat guests, referrals and searchers can book you directly without the commission.
Which package suits a travel business?
Ember suits most tour operators: up to 20 pages, a blog, quote forms and extra languages. Blaze adds smart search, accounts and integrations for larger catalogues.
Do I need online payments for tours?
Not always. Many tailor-made operators work on quotes and deposits. A clear quote form and WhatsApp can convert as well as instant booking.
SRCSources
- GetYourGuide commission increasing for some operatorsArival
- Tips to improve your local ranking on GoogleGoogle Business Profile Help
Every figure links to its original source. Checked on 18 October 2026.