5 Tour Booking Software Options That Actually Work for Small Operators (2025)

Jarod LaFalce

Co-Founder / COO of BookingTerminal

Published on: July 28, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes

Not Every “Top” Booking Platform is Built for You

If you’re searching for the right booking software for your small business, you’ve probably been overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Most comparison lists highlight the biggest names — but bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially for the needs of small tour operators.

That said, “small” doesn’t always mean “simple.” Some lean teams have complex operations, unique requirements, or integration needs that only a few platforms can handle. That’s why this list isn’t just about minimalism — it’s about fit.

If you run a small team or operate solo, you’re probably not looking for enterprise dashboards or a dozen tabs you’ll never use. What you want is software that works the way you do: intuitive setup, responsive support, transparent pricing, and tools that don’t get in your way.

I go deeper into why that matters in Why Simplicity Wins, but the short version is this: software should help you run your business — not become a second job.

This post breaks down five booking platforms that can work well for small tour and activity businesses, depending on your specific priorities. Whether you need marketing automation, a clean calendar, or just the only platform that can support your setup — your search ends here.

FareHarbor

The most powerful system on this list — but not the most approachable for everyone.

FareHarbor is one of the most established names in tour booking software. Owned by Booking.com and used by thousands of operators, it offers a robust set of features designed to support more complex operations.

That depth, however, can feel like a bit much for smaller teams. The dashboard offers a wide range of options, which can be less intuitive if you’re not using many of them day to day. It’s a powerful system — though some operators find it more than they need for simpler setups.

Support is available 24/7, which is great to have, though in practice it can sometimes take a bit of back-and-forth to get changes made — especially if you're relying on their team for configuration.

FareHarbor charges a 6% fee on online bookings, and if you don’t meet their minimum volume threshold, they also apply a 6% fee to offline bookings — both of which are on the higher end of the market. For some, the expansive feature set justifies the cost — for others, it’s more than they’ll use.

Peek Pro

A well-designed platform with modern automation and marketing features.

Peek Pro offers a wide range of features that extend beyond booking — including tools like abandoned cart follow-up emails and AI-assisted content creation. For operators looking to modernize and automate parts of their business, there’s a lot of functionality built in.

Support is generally solid, especially during onboarding. That said, as the company has grown, some operators have noted it can take longer to get answers or resolution on more detailed questions.

Peek runs on a commission-based model and charges up to 6% fee on online bookings. The system also comes with a learning curve — there’s a lot to configure, and the interface isn’t always as intuitive as it looks at first glance.

Bókun

A capable platform with accessible pricing and a wide range of tools.

Bókun offers a relatively smooth setup process and a manageable learning curve for most of its core features. It’s designed to handle a variety of booking needs, though the number of options available can make the interface feel a bit busy at times.

One of its strengths is the built-in channel manager, which makes it easy to connect your offerings to major marketplaces without relying on third-party tools. For many small teams, this convenience adds a lot of value.

Bókun’s commission model is appealing — the booking fee is lower than most platforms, typically around 1.5%. However, it also comes with a monthly subscription cost. That flat fee stays in place even during slow periods, which might not be ideal for seasonal operators or those just starting out.

Xola

A straightforward platform with helpful tools and a clean interface.

Xola offers a modern booking experience that’s easy to navigate and includes built-in remarketing features like abandoned cart emails. For operators who want a few light automations without layering on extra systems, it covers a lot out of the box.

Support is generally responsive and easy to reach, with 24/7 access via chat, phone, or email — a plus if you ever need help during off-hours.

Xola uses a commission-based model, typically around 6% per online booking, or 3% online plus 3% for direct. For operators looking to avoid monthly fees, this structure can make sense, though the per-booking rate is a bit higher than others.

BookingTerminal

Built specifically for small tour and activity businesses.

BookingTerminal is designed with small operators in mind — a clean interface, intuitive setup, and a booking widget that’s easy to add to your existing website. If you don’t already have a site, BT Pages offers fully managed websites built for conversions.

The platform includes the features all operators need — like flexible scheduling, resource management, customization, and automated customer notifications — but keeps the experience simple. Everything’s there when you need it, without getting in your way.

Support is personal and responsive. You’re working with a team that understands your exact setup and lives in the product every day. Whether it’s during onboarding or as your needs evolve, they’re there to help.

Pricing is transparent and predictable, with a 3% booking fee applied to online bookings only. Integrations are available for key tools, with more being added as the platform grows.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all booking system — but if you’re a small tour or activity business, your needs are specific. You want something that’s easy to use, flexible enough to handle the way you work, and backed by a team that actually supports you. Each platform on this list has its strengths — the key is finding the one that matches your priorities as a small operator.

If simplicity, real support, and modern tools are high on that list, BookingTerminal was built for you.