What OTAs Really Cost You
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Viator and GetYourGuide can bring significant booking volume. But that volume comes at a price—literally.
Understanding the true cost of each platform helps you make smarter decisions about where to list and how to price.
Viator Commission Rates
**Standard rate:** 20-25% commission
Viator (owned by TripAdvisor) is the largest OTA for tours and activities. Their commission structure:
Hidden costs:
**Best for:** Operators wanting maximum visibility, especially in US market.
GetYourGuide Commission Rates
**Standard rate:** 20-25% commission
GetYourGuide is Viator's main European competitor:
Unique aspects:
**Best for:** European operators, unique/exclusive experiences.
Airbnb Experiences Commission
**Standard rate:** 20% commission
Airbnb Experiences is smaller but growing:
Pros:
Cons:
Klook Commission Rates
**Standard rate:** 15-25% commission
Klook dominates in Asia-Pacific:
**Best for:** Operators in or targeting Asian tourists.
Booking.com Experiences
**Standard rate:** 25% commission
Booking.com's activities platform:
**Consideration:** Higher commission but access to travelers already booking hotels.
Expedia Local Expert
**Standard rate:** 20-25% commission
Expedia's activities platform:
TripAdvisor Direct
**Standard rate:** Varies
Separate from Viator, TripAdvisor offers:
Commission Comparison Table
| Platform | Commission | Payment Processing | Negotiable |
|----------|------------|-------------------|------------|
| Viator | 20-25% | Included | Yes |
| GetYourGuide | 20-25% | Included | Yes |
| Airbnb Experiences | 20% | Included | No |
| Klook | 15-25% | Included | Yes |
| Booking.com | 25% | Included | Limited |
| Expedia | 20-25% | Included | Limited |
Negotiating Better Rates
You have leverage if you:
How to negotiate:
1. Wait until you have 6+ months of track record
2. Document your metrics (reviews, volume, response time)
3. Request a meeting with your account manager
4. Ask for specific rate reduction (2-5% is realistic)
5. Offer exclusivity or promotional participation in exchange
The Real Question: Are OTAs Worth It?
At 20-25% commission, you need to ask:
For many operators, OTAs make sense for discovery while building direct booking channels. The goal is balance, not dependence.
[Learn strategies to increase direct bookings](/blog/direct-booking-strategies)