Websites using Bokun

Okay, let s break down Bokun, a booking and management platform for tourism businesses.

Bokun: Overview

• What it is: Bokun is a cloud-based software platform designed specifically for tours, activities, and attractions businesses. It provides tools for managing inventory, taking online bookings, processing payments, distributing products through various channels, and streamlining day-to-day operations. Bokun is now part of TripAdvisor Experiences (owned by Viator/TripAdvisor).
• Target Audience: Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the tourism and experiences sector, including tour operators, activity providers, attraction managers, rental companies, and resellers.
• Key Features:
  • Online Booking Engine: Customizable booking widgets and website integration for direct bookings.
  • Inventory Management: Real-time availability tracking across multiple channels.
  • Channel Management: Connects to online travel agencies (OTAs) like Viator, GetYourGuide, Expedia, and others to distribute your products.
  • Point of Sale (POS): Sell products and services in person with integrated payment processing.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Track sales, revenue, customer data, and other key metrics.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Manage customer information and communication.
  • Voucher and Gift Card Management: Create and sell vouchers and gift cards.
  • Reseller Network: Connect with other Bokun users to sell each other s products (a B2B marketplace).
  • Payment Processing: Integrates with various payment gateways for secure online transactions.
  • TripAdvisor Integration: Seamless integration with TripAdvisor and Viator for distribution and review management.
  • API: Allows developers to connect Bokun with other systems.

Revenue (Information is Limited)

• Bokun, being a part of TripAdvisor Experiences, does not publicly release its individual revenue figures. The revenue is consolidated within TripAdvisor s overall financial reporting.

Alternatives to Bokun

The market for tour and activity booking software is competitive. Here are some popular alternatives, categorized for clarity:

• All-in-One Platforms (Similar to Bokun):

  • FareHarbor: A widely used platform known for its robust features and good support. Owned by Booking.com
  • Checkfront: Offers a comprehensive suite of features, including booking management, payment processing, and reporting.
  • Peek Pro: Focuses on mobile-first design and provides tools for marketing and customer engagement.
  • Rezdy: A global platform with a strong focus on channel management and connectivity.
  • Xola: Known for its user-friendly interface and marketing automation features.
  • TrekkSoft: Caters to larger tour operators and offers advanced features like resource scheduling and multi-currency support.

• More Specialized or Niche Platforms:

  • Guesty: Primarily for property management but has expanded into experiences.
  • Regiondo: Specifically focused on leisure activities.

• DIY or Custom Solutions:

  • Building your own booking system using a combination of tools like WordPress, WooCommerce, and booking plugins. (This requires technical expertise).

Choosing an Alternative: Consider these factors when evaluating alternatives:

• Your specific needs: What features are most important to your business?
• Your budget: Compare pricing models and fees.
• Ease of use: How easy is the platform to learn and use?
• Integration capabilities: Does it integrate with your existing website, payment gateway, and other systems?
• Customer support: What kind of support is offered?
• Scalability: Can the platform grow with your business?
• Channel Manager: How well does it handle getting your products on multiple OTA s.

Pricing

• Bokun s pricing structure is commission-based. They charge a commission fee on bookings processed through the platform. The exact commission percentage can vary depending on your contract and the type of booking. It s generally in the range of 2-3% per booking if you are a Viator supplier.
• There may be additional fees for certain features or integrations.
• It s crucial to contact Bokun directly for a customized quote based on your business needs.

Customer Care/Support

• Support Channels: Bokun typically offers customer support through:
  • Email: For general inquiries and support requests.
  • Help Center/Knowledge Base: Online documentation, FAQs, and tutorials.
  • Phone Support: May be available depending on your subscription level.
  • Community Forums: A place to connect with other Bokun users.
• TripAdvisor Resources: As part of TripAdvisor Experiences, Bokun users can often access support resources from TripAdvisor.
• Viator Supplier Support: Bokun users who are also Viator suppliers can also access support through the Viator extranet.
• Reputation: Customer reviews on Bokun s support can be mixed, with some users praising its responsiveness and helpfulness, while others report challenges getting timely assistance. This is common with larger platforms. It is important to test the support during your trial period.

Key Considerations and Recommendations

• Viator/TripAdvisor Focus: Bokun is heavily integrated with Viator and TripAdvisor Experiences. This is a huge advantage if you want to sell your tours and activities through those channels. If you are selling exclusively on your own website, then a different platform may be more suitable.
• Channel Management: If you need robust channel management capabilities to distribute your products through multiple OTAs, Bokun is a strong contender.
• Ease of Use: While Bokun has made improvements, some users have found the interface less intuitive than some of its competitors. Take advantage of the free trial to evaluate the user experience.
• Customer Support: Factor in the potential for mixed customer support experiences when making your decision. Test the support thoroughly during your trial.
• Negotiate Pricing: Don t hesitate to negotiate pricing with Bokun to get the best possible deal for your business.
• Compare Thoroughly: Get demos and free trials of several platforms before committing to one. This is the best way to determine which platform is the right fit for your specific needs and budget.