Bokun

What Is Bokun?

Tour and activity operators juggle bookings from multiple channels—their website, OTAs like Viator and GetYourGuide, travel agents, and walk-ins—often using spreadsheets and manual processes that lead to overbookings and missed opportunities. Bokun is a booking and operations platform for tours, activities, and experiences that centralizes reservations, automates distribution, and streamlines operations so operators can focus on delivering great experiences.

Acquired by TripAdvisor/Viator to power their supplier ecosystem, Bokun provides enterprise-grade capabilities to operators of all sizes. The platform handles online booking, channel management, resource scheduling, and business intelligence in one system.

For tour and activity businesses ready to professionalize operations and expand distribution, Bokun provides the infrastructure that serious operators need.

Key Features Explained

Online Booking Engine

Embed booking widgets on your website. Customers browse availability, select options, and pay online. Real-time availability prevents double-booking. Mobile-optimized checkout improves conversion. Multiple payment gateways supported.

Channel Management

Connect to major OTAs—Viator, GetYourGuide, Expedia, Klook—from one dashboard. Manage pricing, availability, and content across all channels simultaneously. Changes sync instantly to prevent discrepancies. One update reaches all channels.

Resource Management

Track guides, vehicles, equipment, and other resources. Assign resources to bookings automatically based on rules. Prevent overbooking resources as well as tours. Know who's doing what each day.

Unified Calendar

See all bookings across all channels in one view. Know what's happening each day at a glance. Plan operations around actual demand. No more checking multiple systems.

Automated Communications

Confirmation emails, reminder messages, and follow-up requests send automatically. Reduce manual communication while improving customer experience. Customize templates for your brand voice.

Manifest Management

Generate daily manifests for guides and drivers. Include customer details, pickup information, and special requests. Mobile access lets field staff check assignments anywhere. Print or digital delivery.

Partner Network

Connect with other Bokun users to resell each other's products. Expand distribution through partner relationships without OTA commissions. Build local partnerships easily.

Reporting and Analytics

Track revenue, bookings, and channel performance. Understand which channels drive business and which products perform best. Data-driven decisions improve profitability. Export reports for accounting.

Pricing

START — Free. Basic booking and calendar. Commission on bookings from Bokun partners/channels. Good for testing the platform.

PLUS — $49/month. Full features including channel management, resource management, and advanced reporting. Reduced commission rates.

PREMIUM — $149/month. Priority support, dedicated account management, and enterprise features. Best for high-volume operators.

Transaction fees or commissions apply on bookings. Fee structure depends on plan and booking source. Direct bookings typically have lower fees.

Who Uses Bokun?

Tour Operators

Walking tours, bus tours, food tours, adventure activities—operators running regular scheduled experiences use Bokun for booking management and OTA distribution. From small walking tour companies to large multi-product operators.

Activity Providers

Cooking classes, workshops, escape rooms, wine tastings, and experiential activities with timed sessions. Bokun manages capacity and timing for experience-based businesses.

Attractions

Museums, parks, observation decks, and venues managing timed entry and capacity limits. Control visitor flow with time-slot booking and capacity management.

Destination Management Companies

DMCs managing multiple products and supplier relationships in a destination. Resell partner products, manage complex itineraries, and coordinate multi-vendor experiences.

Adventure Tourism Companies

Kayaking, hiking, cycling, and outdoor adventure operators with equipment and guide coordination needs. Resource management prevents overbooking guides and gear.

Integrations

Bokun connects to major OTAs including Viator (deep integration given common ownership), GetYourGuide, Expedia, Klook, Airbnb Experiences, and more. Payment gateway integrations include Stripe, PayPal, and regional processors. Google Analytics integration tracks booking conversion. API access enables custom integrations.

Bokun vs. Alternatives

Bokun vs FareHarbor

FareHarbor emphasizes simplicity and strong customer service. Bokun emphasizes comprehensive features and OTA integration, especially Viator. Compare interface preferences and specific feature needs.

Bokun vs Peek

Peek offers similar booking and distribution features. Both serve tour operators effectively. Compare pricing structures, channel connections, and support quality for your region.

Bokun vs Rezdy

Rezdy is Australian-based with strong market presence in Asia-Pacific. Compare regional support and specific capabilities based on where you operate.

Bokun vs Manual Systems

Spreadsheets and phone bookings can't match Bokun's automation and distribution capabilities. The efficiency gains and additional bookings from OTA channels typically justify subscription costs quickly.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

Comprehensive feature set designed for tour operators

Strong OTA channel integrations, especially Viator

Partner network for expanded distribution without commissions

Viator/TripAdvisor backing and integration provides stability

Resource management handles guides and equipment

Free tier for getting started and testing

Multi-currency and multi-language support

What Could Be Better

Learning curve for full feature utilization

Interface can feel complex for basic needs

Commission structure requires careful understanding

Support response times vary by plan level

Some features require higher pricing tiers

Mobile app functionality limited compared to web

Tips for Success

Connect Channels Early

Distribution through OTAs expands reach significantly. Get connected to Viator, GetYourGuide, and relevant channels promptly. OTA bookings often exceed direct website bookings.

Set Up Automation

Configure automated emails and notifications to reduce manual work. Confirmation emails, reminders, and review requests should send automatically. Automation saves hours weekly.

Use Resource Management

Track guides and equipment to prevent operational conflicts. When bookings increase, resource management prevents double-booking your team and gear.

Monitor Analytics

Understand which channels and products perform best. Data reveals where to focus marketing and what products to promote. Review analytics weekly.

Build Partner Relationships

Connect with complementary operators in your destination. Resell each other's products for commission-free distribution. Partner relationships build local business networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bokun free to use?

Free tier exists with basic features and commission on certain bookings. Paid plans reduce commissions and add features. Most serious operators choose paid plans.

Which OTAs does Bokun connect to?

Viator (native integration), GetYourGuide, Expedia, Klook, Airbnb Experiences, and many others. Integration depth varies by channel. Viator integration is particularly strong.

Can I use Bokun for private tours?

Yes. Handle both group scheduled tours and private custom bookings. Configure products for group departures or private reservations as needed.

Does Bokun work internationally?

Yes. Multi-currency, multi-language support serves operators worldwide. Set pricing in multiple currencies, display your booking engine in customer languages.

How long does setup take?

Basic setup can complete in a day. Full implementation with all products, channels, and automation takes longer. Bokun provides onboarding support for new customers.

Can I migrate from another booking system?

Yes, but manual data migration is typically required. Export data from your current system and import into Bokun. Future bookings transition; historical data may require manual entry.

Getting Started

Sign up for the free tier to explore the platform. Set up your first product and booking widget. Test the booking flow from customer perspective.

Connect your Viator account if you already list there—this is often the quickest channel to activate. Add additional OTA channels as you verify the platform works for you.

Configure automated communications before going live. Set up your calendar view and resource tracking. Train any team members who will use the system.

Final Verdict

Bokun provides professional-grade operations software for tour and activity businesses. The combination of booking management, channel distribution, and resource tracking addresses the specific needs of experience operators.

For operators serious about growing through OTA distribution and operational efficiency, Bokun delivers the infrastructure that enables scale. The Viator/TripAdvisor backing provides confidence in platform longevity.

Rating: 4.2/5