Digila Anna Mathew Viator, a TripAdvisor company, provides access to thousands of tours, activities, and experiences worldwide. If you’re a travel blogger or an influencer or an affiliate marketer looking for an affiliate program in 2024, Viator can be a great option to consider. Viator affililate program, gives you the opportunity to leverage Viator’s extensive inventory to monetize your website, blog, or social media presence. In this detailed Viator Affiliate Program review and guide, we have dug deep into this affiliate program’s key features, how to get started, the payment structure and earnings that you can expect, the advantages and disadvantages, recent changes, and competitors of the Viator Affiliate Program.
Key Features of the Viator Affiliate Program
1. Many Different Tours To Promote
Viator offers access to over 200,000 tours and activities in more than 1,500 destinations worldwide. This variety allows you to cater to different travel preferences and attract a broader audience.
2. User-Friendly Tools
Viator provides several promotional tools to help you attract visitors. These include text links, banners, widgets, and APIs. These tools are designed to be easily integrated into your website or social media platforms.
3. High Conversion Rates
Viator is known for its high conversion rates due to its trusted brand and extensive range of experiences. This means more bookings and higher commissions for you.
4. Real-Time Reporting
The affiliate dashboard offers real-time reporting, allowing you to track clicks, bookings, and commissions. This data helps you understand your performance and optimize your strategies.
5. Global Reach
Viator operates in multiple languages and currencies. This global presence allows you to target a worldwide audience, increasing your potential to generate bookings and earn commissions.
6. Reliable Payments
Viator ensures reliable and timely payments. Commissions are paid out monthly, provided you meet the minimum payout threshold. You can choose from various payment methods including bank transfer and PayPal.
7. Exclusive Promotions
Affiliates get access to exclusive promotions and special offers. These deals can attract more bookings, increasing your commissions.
8. Dedicated Support
Viator provides dedicated support for affiliates. You have access to resources and assistance to help you succeed. If you have any questions or issues, the support team is there to help.
Suggested Reading: Best Travel Affiliate Programs that Pay the Highest
How to Get Started with the Viator Affiliate Program
Step 1: Sign Up
Visit the Viator Affiliate Program website and sign up. Provide the necessary details about your website or platform. Once you submit your application, wait for approval.
Step 2: Get Approved
The approval process usually takes a few days. Once approved, you will receive access to the affiliate dashboard and promotional tools.
Step 3: Access Tools
Log into the affiliate dashboard and explore the available promotional tools. Choose the tools that best suit your website or platform. Options include banners, text links, widgets, and APIs.
Step 4: Integrate Tools
Integrate the chosen tools into your website, blog, or social media. Ensure they are placed in visible and relevant areas to attract clicks.
Step 5: Promote Viator
Promote Viator by sharing your affiliate links and using the promotional tools. Write blog posts, create social media posts, or make videos about travel experiences to drive traffic and encourage bookings.
Step 6: Track Performance
Use the real-time reporting feature in the affiliate dashboard to monitor your performance. Track clicks, bookings, and commissions. Adjust your promotional strategies based on the data to optimize your earnings.
Step 7: Earn Commissions
Earn commissions for every booking made through your referral links. Once you reach the minimum payout threshold, Viator will transfer your earnings to your chosen payment method.
Commission Structure and Earning Potential of the Viator Affiliate Program
The Viator Affiliate Program offers a competitive commission structure. You earn a percentage of the booking value for each completed booking made through your referral links. The exact commission rate can vary based on the type of activity and other factors. Typically, affiliates can expect to earn around 8% of the booking amount.
- Earning Potential
Your earning potential depends on the number of bookings made through your referral links and the total booking value. The more traffic and bookings you generate, the higher your earnings. High conversion rates and Viator’s popularity can significantly boost your earning potential.
- Payment Threshold
Viator has a minimum payout threshold. You need to earn a certain amount in commissions before you can receive a payout. The threshold varies depending on the payment method, but it’s generally around $100.
- Payment Methods
Payments can be made via bank transfer, PayPal, or other methods. Viator processes payments monthly, provided you meet the minimum payout threshold. This ensures you receive your earnings consistently.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Viator Affiliate Program
Viator Affiliate Program Advantages
1. High Conversion Rates
Viator’s trusted brand and extensive range of experiences lead to high conversion rates. This means more bookings and higher commissions for you. The platform’s reputation and user trust further enhance conversion rates, making it easier for you to earn.
2. Extensive Inventory
Viator offers a diverse range of tours and activities, including unique experiences and local tours. This variety allows you to cater to different travel preferences and attract a broader audience. More options mean more potential bookings and commissions.
3. Global Reach
Viator operates in multiple languages and currencies. This global reach allows you to target a worldwide audience, increasing your potential to generate bookings and earn commissions. A broader audience means more opportunities to earn.
Suggested Reading: What is GeoTargeting? How to Get Customers from Across the Globe
4. Reliable Payments
Viator ensures reliable and timely payments. Commissions are paid out monthly, provided you meet the minimum payout threshold. Consistent payments help you manage your finances better and provide financial stability.
5. Exclusive Promotions
Affiliates get access to exclusive promotions and special offers. These deals can attract more bookings, increasing your commissions. Promoting exclusive offers can give you an edge over competitors.
Viator Affiliate Program Disadvantages
1. High Competition
The travel affiliate market is highly competitive. Many affiliates promote similar travel services, making it challenging to stand out. You need to put in extra effort to attract and retain visitors. This may involve creating high-quality content and employing effective affiliate marketing strategies.
2. Minimum Payout Threshold
Viator has a minimum payout threshold. You need to earn a certain amount in commissions before you can receive a payout. For new affiliates, it may take time to reach this threshold. This delay can be a drawback if you’re looking for quicker returns.
3. Dependent on Travel Trends
Your earnings can be affected by travel trends and seasonal fluctuations. Travel decreases during economic downturns or global events like pandemics. This can lead to inconsistent income. You need to be aware of these trends and plan accordingly.
4. Requires Regular Promotion
To maximize your earnings, you need to regularly promote Viator. This involves creating fresh content and engaging with your audience. Regular promotion helps drive consistent traffic and bookings. This can be time-consuming and requires ongoing effort.
Recent Changes to the Viator Affiliate Program
- Enhanced Commission Structure
Viator has updated its commission structure to make it more competitive. Affiliates can now earn higher commissions for promoting high-value bookings such as exclusive tours and premium experiences. The new structure aims to incentivize affiliates to promote a wider range of Viator services and boost their earnings.
- Expanded Promotional Tools
Viator has introduced new promotional tools to cater to different types of content and platforms. In addition to traditional banners and text links, there are new widgets and APIs. These tools include interactive maps, real-time availability search, and booking widgets, allowing affiliates to integrate Viator’s content more seamlessly into their websites or blogs.
- Improved Reporting and Analytics
Viator has upgraded its affiliate dashboard to offer more comprehensive and real-time reporting. Affiliates now have access to detailed analytics that help them track clicks, bookings, and commissions more accurately. The new dashboard features enhanced performance metrics, helping affiliates identify trends and optimize their promotional strategies more effectively.
Suggested Reading: 20 Affiliate Marketing Hacks to Boost Online Earnings
- Global Expansion and Localization
Viator has expanded its affiliate program to include more countries and languages. This global expansion allows affiliates to target a wider audience and cater to non-English-speaking visitors more effectively. Localized content and promotional tools help affiliates reach more potential customers and increase their chances of generating bookings.
- Enhanced Support and Resources
Viator has improved its support and resources for affiliates. The program now offers more comprehensive guides, tutorials, and webinars to help affiliates succeed. There is also improved customer support, available through multiple channels, including email and live chat. This increased support helps affiliates troubleshoot issues quickly and make the most of the program’s tools and features.
Viator Affiliate Program Alternatives
GetYourGuide Affiliate Program
The GetYourGuide Affiliate Program allows you to earn commissions by promoting tours, attractions, and activities. GetYourGuide offers a wide range of experiences in numerous destinations. The program provides promotional tools such as banners, links, and widgets to help you attract and convert visitors. Real-time reporting and analytics are available to help you track your performance. GetYourGuide’s reputation for high-quality experiences and user-friendly platform make it a strong option for affiliates.
Klook Affiliate Program
The Klook Affiliate Program offers commissions for promoting travel activities and services. Klook provides access to a wide range of experiences and activities worldwide. The program offers various promotional tools like banners, links, and widgets to help you drive traffic and generate bookings. Real-time reporting and detailed analytics help you track your performance and optimize your strategies. Klook’s extensive inventory and competitive commission rates make it a strong competitor in the travel activities market.
Expedia Affiliate Network
The Expedia Affiliate Network offers a comprehensive range of travel services, including hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. As an affiliate, you can promote these services and earn commissions. Expedia provides various promotional tools like banners, links, widgets, and APIs to help you attract and convert visitors. The program offers real-time reporting, enabling you to track your performance and optimize your strategies. With its global reach and extensive inventory, Expedia is a strong competitor. The platform’s competitive commission rates and reliable payments make it an attractive option for affiliates looking to monetize travel-related content.
TripAdvisor Affiliate Program
The TripAdvisor Affiliate Program allows you to earn commissions by promoting hotels, flights, vacation rentals, and other travel services. TripAdvisor is well-known for its extensive user-generated reviews and ratings, which helps build trust with your audience. The program provides a range of promotional tools, including banners, links, and widgets. These tools help you integrate TripAdvisor content into your website or blog. Real-time reporting and detailed analytics are also available to help you optimize your performance. TripAdvisor’s reputation and global reach make it a strong option for affiliates.
Airbnb Affiliate Program
The Airbnb Affiliate Program allows you to earn commissions by promoting accommodations and experiences. Airbnb offers a diverse range of listings, including unique stays like treehouses, boats, and castles. The program provides various promotional tools, including banners, links, and widgets, to help you drive traffic and generate bookings. Real-time reporting and analytics help you track your performance and optimize your strategies. Airbnb’s extensive inventory and competitive commission rates make it a strong competitor in the accommodation and travel experiences market.
What Concerns Affiliates Have About Viator Affiliate Program
1. Low Commission Rates
- Issue: Many affiliates find the commission rates offered by Viator to be lower compared to other travel affiliate programs.
- Impact: This can result in lower earnings for affiliates despite driving significant traffic and conversions.
2. Delayed Payments
- Issue: Some users have reported delays in receiving their payments.
- Impact: Delayed payments can affect cash flow for affiliates, making it challenging to manage their finances effectively.
3. Limited Marketing Materials
- Issue: Affiliates often find the range of marketing materials provided by Viator to be limited.
- Impact: Lack of diverse promotional content can hinder affiliates from creating engaging campaigns and attracting more customers.
4. Poor Customer Support
- Issue: Several affiliates have mentioned that Viator’s customer support is not very responsive or helpful.
- Impact: Inefficient support can lead to unresolved issues, causing frustration and potentially impacting affiliate performance.
5. Tracking Issues
- Issue: Some users have experienced problems with tracking their referrals and conversions accurately.
- Impact: Inaccurate tracking can lead to discrepancies in reported earnings and actual commissions earned, resulting in potential revenue loss.
6. High Competition
- Issue: The travel niche is highly competitive, and many affiliates find it challenging to stand out when promoting Viator products.
- Impact: High competition can reduce conversion rates and overall earnings, making it difficult for affiliates to achieve success.
7. Lack of Recurring Commissions
- Issue: Viator typically offers one-time commissions on sales, without recurring commissions for repeat bookings.
- Impact: Affiliates miss out on potential long-term earnings from repeat customers, limiting overall revenue potential.
8. Stringent Approval Process
- Issue: Some users have found the approval process to join the Viator affiliate program to be stringent and lengthy.
- Impact:Â This can delay the start of affiliate activities and potentially discourage new affiliates from joining the program.
Timeline of Viator Affiliate Program Updates and Improvements (2023-2024)
| Date | Update |
| 01/15/23 | Improved Commission Structure: Introduced a tiered system for better earnings. |
| 03/12/23 | Enhanced API Access: Improved API for seamless integration and data access. |
| 04/20/23 | New Marketing Materials: Added updated banners and creatives for affiliates. |
| 06/25/23 | Dashboard Enhancement: Launched a new interface with advanced analytics tools. |
| 07/30/23 | Mobile App Release: Released an app for managing affiliate accounts on mobile devices. |
| 09/10/23 | Local Language Support: Added multilingual resources for global affiliates. |
| 11/15/23 | Improved Tracking Technology: Upgraded tracking for accurate referral data. |
| 01/22/24 | Performance Bonuses Introduced: New incentives for top-performing affiliates. |
| 03/05/24 | SEO Optimization Tools: Added resources for improving search engine rankings. |
| 04/18/24 | Training and Support Expansion: Introduced webinars and dedicated support channels. |
| 05/28/24 | Expanded Partner Network: Added new travel brands and services to the affiliate offerings. |
FAQs
1. How Do I Join the Viator Affiliate Program?
Answer: To join the Viator Affiliate Program, visit the Viator Partner Network and sign up. Provide the necessary details about your website or platform. Once you submit your application, wait for approval. The approval process usually takes a few days. Once approved, you can access the affiliate dashboard and start promoting Viator services. The sign-up process is straightforward and free of charge, making it easy to get started.
2. How Much Can I Earn with the Viator Affiliate Program?
Answer: Your earnings depend on the number of bookings made through your referral links and the total booking value. Viator offers competitive commission rates, typically a percentage of the booking value. The more traffic and bookings you generate, the higher your earnings. On average, affiliates can earn around 8% of the booking amount. High conversion rates and Viator’s popularity can significantly boost your earning potential.
3. How Do I Get Paid as a Viator Affiliate?
Answer: Commissions are paid out monthly via bank transfer, PayPal, or other methods, provided you meet the minimum payout threshold. The threshold varies depending on the payment method but is generally around $100. Once you reach this threshold, Viator will transfer your earnings to your chosen payment method. Payments are reliable and timely, ensuring you receive your commissions consistently.
4. What Promotional Tools Are Available in the Viator Affiliate Program?
Answer: The program offers a variety of tools, including text links, banners, widgets, and APIs. These tools help you drive traffic to Viator’s travel services and earn commissions. You can choose the tools that best fit your content and audience. Banners and widgets are great for visual appeal, while text links can be seamlessly integrated into your content. APIs are ideal for advanced users looking for custom integrations.
5. Can I Use the Viator Affiliate Program on Social Media?
Answer: Yes, you can promote Viator on social media platforms. Share your affiliate links in posts, stories, and videos to reach a broader audience and drive bookings. Social media can be an effective way to increase your reach and earnings. Make sure to adhere to the platform’s guidelines and disclose your affiliate relationship. Social media promotion helps you leverage your following and attract more bookings.
