The $10K Decision Most Tour Operators Get Wrong
Choosing tour booking software isn't like picking a CRM or accounting tool. It's one of the most consequential business decisions you'll make—and most operators get it wrong because they focus on the wrong things.
Here's why this decision matters so much:
The real cost over 3 years for a $300K/year operator:
That's a $50,000+ difference. Enough to hire a full-time guide. Enough to fund your marketing for two years. Enough to matter.
But cost isn't everything. The wrong software can also cost you in:
This guide will help you make the right choice for YOUR specific operation. Not what's best in general—what's best for you.
Quick Comparison Table
Before we dive deep, here's the overview:
| Feature | FareHarbor | Bokun | Peek Pro | RockeTour |
|---------|------------|-------|----------|-----------|
| **Pricing Model** | 6% commission | 1.5% + fees | 3-6% + markup | $99/month flat |
| **Guide Management** | Basic | No | No | Full suite |
| **WhatsApp Integration** | No | No | No | Yes, automated |
| **Reminder System** | Email only | Email only | Email + SMS | Email + SMS + WhatsApp |
| **OTA Connections** | Viator, GYG | Viator (owned), GYG | Viator, GYG | Manual |
| **Payment Processing** | Built-in (2.9%+30¢) | Stripe (2.9%+30¢) | Built-in (markup) | Stripe (2.9%+30¢) |
| **Website Builder** | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| **Best For** | US attractions | OTA-heavy operators | Walk-in businesses | Tour operators with guides |
Now let's dig into each platform.
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FareHarbor: The Industry Giant
FareHarbor, acquired by Booking Holdings in 2018, is the 800-pound gorilla of tour booking software. They power thousands of operators worldwide and have the brand recognition to match.
FareHarbor Pricing
**Commission:** 6% on all online bookings
Let's break down what that actually means:
**Payment Processing:** Built-in at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
So your actual cost per booking is closer to 9% total.
**Volume discounts:** FareHarbor does negotiate rates for high-volume operators. If you're doing $1M+/year, you might get down to 4-5%. But you'll need to negotiate hard, and they're not transparent about it.
FareHarbor Pros
1. Polished User Interface
FareHarbor has invested heavily in UX. The booking flow is smooth, the dashboard is clean, and training new staff is straightforward. This matters more than people think—a confusing backend costs you hours every week.
2. Strong US Market Presence
If you're a US-based operator, FareHarbor's market penetration means customers recognize the checkout experience. This familiarity can improve conversion rates.
3. Excellent Customer Support
This is FareHarbor's genuine strength. Their support team is responsive, knowledgeable, and actually helpful. When something breaks at 9 PM on a Saturday, you can usually get someone on the phone.
4. Reliable Infrastructure
Backed by Booking Holdings, FareHarbor rarely goes down. Their uptime is excellent, and they handle peak seasons without breaking a sweat.
5. Website Builder
If you don't have a website, FareHarbor will build you one (included in your commission). It's not going to win design awards, but it works.
FareHarbor Cons
1. No Real Guide Management
This is the elephant in the room. FareHarbor was built for attractions and activities, not tour operations with guides. You can assign guides to bookings, but there's no:
If you have guides, you'll need a separate system or spreadsheets. That's a huge gap.
2. Email-Only Reminders
In 2026, email-only reminders are a liability. With 20% open rates vs WhatsApp's 98%, you're leaving no-show reduction on the table.
3. 6% Commission Adds Up Fast
We did the math above. On a $300K operation, you're paying $18,000/year. That's not a software cost—that's an employee salary.
4. Booking Holdings Conflict
FareHarbor is owned by the same company that owns Booking.com. Some operators worry about data sharing and competitive dynamics. FareHarbor says your data stays private, but the relationship is worth noting.
5. Limited Customization
FareHarbor is a walled garden. Want to integrate with your CRM? Limited options. Want custom booking flows? Not really possible. Want to own your customer data fully? It's complicated.
FareHarbor Is Best For:
---
Bokun: The Viator Connection
Bokun was acquired by Viator/TripAdvisor in 2018, making it the tour software arm of the world's largest OTA. This creates both opportunities and complications.
Bokun Pricing
**Commission:** 1.5% on bookings (seems cheap, but keep reading)
Additional fees:
**Payment Processing:** Stripe at 2.9% + 30¢
The 1.5% headline rate is attractive, but Bokun's strategy is clear: get you onto their platform, then push you toward Viator where they make real money.
Bokun Pros
1. Low Base Commission
At 1.5%, Bokun's base rate is the lowest among major platforms. For direct bookings, this is genuinely competitive.
2. OTA Channel Manager
Bokun's channel manager connects you to Viator (obviously), GetYourGuide, Expedia, and others. If you're heavily dependent on OTAs, managing everything from one dashboard has value.
3. Viator Integration
The Viator integration is seamless (they're the same company). Bookings flow directly into your system, availability syncs automatically, and there's no API headaches.
4. API Access
Bokun has a decent API if you want to build custom integrations. More developer-friendly than some competitors.
Bokun Cons
1. Conflict of Interest
Let's be honest: Bokun is owned by Viator. Their incentive is to keep you dependent on Viator bookings, where they make 20-25% commissions. The 1.5% software fee is a loss leader.
Every recommendation Bokun makes, every feature they prioritize, every "optimization" they suggest—ask yourself whether it benefits you or benefits Viator.
2. Clunky User Interface
Bokun's UI feels dated. It works, but it's not intuitive. Operators consistently report a steep learning curve and frequent frustration with basic tasks.
3. No Guide Management
Like FareHarbor, Bokun wasn't built for tour operations with guides. You get basic assignment capabilities, but nothing sophisticated.
4. No WhatsApp
Email and basic SMS only. No WhatsApp integration, which is critical for international tourism.
5. Viator Dependency Risk
If Viator changes their commission rates, policies, or decides to compete directly with your tours, you're exposed. Building your business on a platform owned by your largest OTA is risky.
Bokun Is Best For:
---
Peek Pro: The Walk-In Specialist
Peek positioned itself as the modern alternative to legacy systems, with particular strength in point-of-sale and walk-in bookings.
Peek Pro Pricing
**Commission:** Variable, typically 3-6%
This is where Peek gets tricky. Their pricing isn't transparent and varies based on:
Some operators report paying 3%, others 6%+. Ask for specific pricing in writing before committing.
**Payment Processing:** Built-in, with markup
Peek processes payments through their own system. The rates are higher than using Stripe directly—typically around 3.5% instead of 2.9%. That 0.6% difference adds up.
Peek Pro Pros
1. Excellent Point-of-Sale
If you have a physical location with walk-in customers, Peek's POS is genuinely good. It's fast, intuitive, and designed for high-volume counter sales.
2. Modern Interface
Peek's design is clean and contemporary. The mobile experience is solid, and the learning curve is manageable.
3. Good Marketing Tools
Abandoned cart recovery, upselling during checkout, and promotional codes are well-implemented. If you're focused on conversion optimization, Peek has thought about it.
4. Kiosk Mode
For attractions and venues, Peek offers a kiosk mode for self-service bookings. Useful for specific use cases.
Peek Pro Cons
1. No Guide Management
Sensing a pattern? Peek also lacks real guide management tools. You're back to spreadsheets and workarounds.
2. No WhatsApp
Email and SMS only. For international operators, this is a significant gap.
3. Opaque Pricing
Variable, negotiated pricing means you might be paying more than the operator next door for identical software. It's hard to budget when you don't know your actual costs.
4. Payment Processing Markup
Being forced to use Peek's payment processing at above-market rates is frustrating. That extra 0.6% on every transaction adds up to thousands per year.
5. Feature Creep Costs
Many of Peek's best features require higher tiers or add-on costs. The advertised pricing often doesn't include what you actually need.
Peek Pro Is Best For:
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RockeTour: Built for Tour Operators with Guides
Full disclosure: This is our product. We built RockeTour specifically because we experienced the limitations of other platforms while running tour operations. We'll be honest about both strengths and weaknesses.
RockeTour Pricing
**Monthly fee:** $99/month flat (no commission on bookings)
**Payment Processing:** Stripe at 2.9% + 30¢
That's it. No percentages, no hidden fees, no variable pricing based on how well you negotiate.
The math at different volumes:
At any significant volume, flat pricing wins.
RockeTour Pros
1. Actual Guide Management
This is why we built RockeTour. Full guide management includes:
If you have guides, this alone might be worth the switch.
2. WhatsApp Automation
98% open rates. Automated booking confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups. In multiple languages. This is table stakes for modern tour operations.
3. True Flat Pricing
No commission on bookings. Ever. Your costs are predictable and don't scale with your success. When you grow, you keep the money.
4. Built for Tour Operators
Every feature assumes you're running tours with guides, vehicles, and complex logistics. Not attractions. Not escape rooms. Tours.
5. Modern Tech Stack
Built recently with modern architecture. Fast, mobile-first, and designed for how operators actually work in 2026.
RockeTour Cons
1. No Website Builder
If you need a website built, you'll need to get it elsewhere. We integrate with any website, but we don't build them.
2. Newer Platform
We don't have 10 years of market presence like FareHarbor. Some operators prefer established players, and that's a fair concern.
3. No Native OTA Connections
We don't have built-in connections to Viator/GetYourGuide. You can manage OTA bookings manually, but there's no automatic sync.
4. Smaller Support Team
We're responsive and knowledgeable, but we're not a massive company with 24/7 phone support in every timezone. Email and chat support are excellent; phone support is limited.
RockeTour Is Best For:
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Cost Comparison: The Real Numbers
Let's compare actual costs for a tour operator doing $250,000/year in bookings:
FareHarbor
Bokun
Peek Pro
RockeTour
Savings with RockeTour vs FareHarbor: $13,812/year
Over three years, that's $41,436. Enough to fund significant business improvements.
Use our [ROI Calculator](/tools/roi-calculator) to see your specific numbers.
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Feature Comparison: What Actually Matters
Booking Engine
| Feature | FareHarbor | Bokun | Peek | RockeTour |
|---------|------------|-------|------|-----------|
| Mobile-optimized checkout | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-language | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-currency | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom fields | Limited | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Upsells | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Promo codes | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Gift cards | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Coming |
Guide Management
| Feature | FareHarbor | Bokun | Peek | RockeTour |
|---------|------------|-------|------|-----------|
| Guide availability calendar | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automatic guide assignment | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Guide mobile app | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Language/skill matching | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Payroll tracking | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Guide performance analytics | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Customer Communication
| Feature | FareHarbor | Bokun | Peek | RockeTour |
|---------|------------|-------|------|-----------|
| Email confirmations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SMS reminders | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| WhatsApp automation | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multi-language messages | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Automated review requests | Limited | Limited | ✅ | ✅ |
Integrations
| Feature | FareHarbor | Bokun | Peek | RockeTour |
|---------|------------|-------|------|-----------|
| Viator | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | Manual |
| GetYourGuide | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Manual |
| Google Reserve | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Stripe | Via FH | ✅ | Via Peek | ✅ |
| Zapier | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom API | Limited | ✅ | Limited | ✅ |
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Migration Guide: How to Switch Platforms
Switching booking software feels daunting, but it's more manageable than you think. Here's the process:
1. Export Your Data
Before switching, export:
Most platforms have export functions. If not, their support can help.
2. Set Up the New Platform
Configure your new system:
Allow 1-2 weeks for setup, depending on complexity.
3. Run in Parallel
For 1-2 weeks:
This reduces risk and lets you work out kinks.
4. Update Your Website
Swap the booking widget/links on your website. If using OTAs, update availability sources.
5. Communicate the Change
Let customers know about any changes to their booking confirmations or communication. A simple email explaining "we've upgraded our booking system" is sufficient.
Common Migration Concerns
"What about pending bookings?"
Honor them on the old platform. Don't try to migrate mid-booking.
"Will I lose customer data?"
Export before canceling. Most data is portable if you plan ahead.
"What if it doesn't work out?"
Most platforms offer monthly billing. If the new system doesn't work, you can switch again. The friction is manageable.
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Making the Right Choice
Here's our honest recommendation framework:
Choose FareHarbor if:
Choose Bokun if:
Choose Peek if:
Choose RockeTour if:
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The Bottom Line
There's no universally "best" tour booking software. The right choice depends on your specific operation:
The most expensive mistake is choosing based on feature checklists rather than your actual workflow. A platform with 100 features you don't need isn't better than one with 20 features you use every day.
Take demos. Ask hard questions about your specific use cases. Calculate the real costs over 3 years, not just the monthly rate.
And remember: this decision isn't permanent. If you choose wrong, you can switch. The migration friction is real but manageable.
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Next Steps
Compare your current costs:
Use our [ROI Calculator](/tools/roi-calculator) to see exactly how much you're paying in commissions and what you could save.
See detailed head-to-heads:
Talk to us:
[Book a demo](/contact) and we'll give you an honest assessment of whether RockeTour is right for your operation—even if the answer is no.