Setting Up OTA Channel Connections
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Tutorials8 min

Setting Up OTA Channel Connections

Connect to Viator, GetYourGuide, and other travel platforms.

Connect TixGate to online travel agencies (OTAs) to reach more visitors while managing everything from one dashboard.

Supported Channels

TixGate connects with:

  • Viator
  • GetYourGuide
  • TripAdvisor
  • Klook
  • Expedia
  • Booking.com Experiences

Before You Start

Requirements

  • Professional or Enterprise plan
  • Existing OTA accounts
  • API credentials from each OTA

Gather Information

For each channel, you'll need:

  • API key or credentials
  • Supplier/Operator ID
  • Product mapping information

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Access Channel Manager

Navigate to: Settings > Integrations > Channel Manager

2. Add a New Channel

Click "Add Channel" and select your OTA:

  1. Choose the channel
  2. Enter your credentials
  3. Test the connection
  4. Save configuration

3. Map Your Products

For each TixGate product, map to OTA products:

TixGate ProductViator ProductGetYourGuide
Adult TicketTOUR-123EXP-456
Child TicketTOUR-124EXP-457

4. Configure Sync Settings

Set your preferences:

  • Availability sync: Real-time or scheduled
  • Price sync: One-way or two-way
  • Booking notifications: Email, webhook, or both

Managing Inventory

Shared vs. Dedicated Inventory

Shared Inventory (Recommended)

  • Total capacity shared across all channels
  • First-come, first-served
  • No overbooking risk

Dedicated Inventory

  • Reserve specific capacity per channel
  • More control but complex
  • Risk of unsold inventory

Setting Up Shared Inventory

  1. Set total capacity in TixGate
  2. Connect all channels
  3. Availability automatically syncs

Pricing Strategies

Consistent Pricing

Same price everywhere. Simple but may pay higher commissions.

Channel-Specific Pricing

Account for commission differences:

  • Direct (TixGate): €20
  • Viator (20% commission): €25
  • GetYourGuide (25% commission): €27

Configure in Products > Pricing > Channel Prices

Handling Bookings

Booking Flow

  1. Visitor books on OTA
  2. OTA sends booking to TixGate
  3. Availability updates across channels
  4. Confirmation sent to visitor
  5. Booking appears in your dashboard

Managing Changes

  • Modifications sync automatically
  • Cancellations update availability
  • Refunds processed per channel policy

Monitoring Performance

Channel Analytics

View in Analytics > Channels:

  • Bookings by channel
  • Revenue by channel
  • Conversion rates
  • Commission costs

Optimization Tips

  • Promote high-performing channels
  • Adjust pricing for underperformers
  • Consider seasonal channel focus

Best Practices

  1. Start with 1-2 channels: Add more gradually
  2. Monitor closely: Watch for sync issues
  3. Respond to reviews: OTA reviews affect ranking
  4. Keep listings updated: Photos, descriptions, prices
  5. Track commissions: Understand true channel costs

Next Steps

  1. Contact our team for setup assistance
  2. Review our API documentation
  3. Join our partner webinar on OTA optimization

Ready to transform your attraction?

Join thousands of museums, tours, and attractions using TixGate to sell more tickets and delight visitors.