Overview of Viator Affiliate Program

Viator, a TripAdvisor company, is one of the leading platforms for booking tours, activities, and experiences worldwide. Their affiliate program offers a compelling opportunity for marketers to monetize targeted traffic related to travel, tourism, and local experiences. Affiliates gain access to Viator’s extensive inventory of thousands of tours and activities spanning over 200 countries, backed by TripAdvisor’s trusted reputation.

The program appeals strongly to travel bloggers, content creators, and websites focused on travel planning who want to provide their audiences with convenient booking options while earning commissions on confirmed sales.

Commission Structure

• Commission Rate: Affiliates earn a commission based on a percentage of each confirmed booking’s sale value. The standard commission rate is approximately 8% of the booking subtotal. Specific rates may vary slightly depending on promotional periods or negotiated terms.
• Commission Payment Timing: Commissions are paid on a one-time basis after the customer completes and pays for their booking. There is no recurring commission on repeat bookings by the same customer through the same affiliate link.
• Sub-Affiliate Commissions: Viator does not offer sub-affiliate commissions. Affiliates earn commission solely on their direct referrals.
• Cookie Duration: The affiliate tracking cookie lasts for 30 days from the user’s first click. If the user completes a qualifying purchase within this timeframe, the affiliate receives credit.
• Affiliate Network Management: Viator’s affiliate program is managed through several established affiliate networks including Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate) and Impact. Affiliates need to join these platforms to access tracking, reporting, and payments.

Viator Promotion Policy

✅ Allowed Promotion Channels

• Travel blogs and websites with relevant content
• Email marketing to opted-in subscribers
• Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
• PPC advertising on search engines, subject to compliance with Viator’s brand guidelines
• YouTube and video content promoting tours and experiences
• Content marketing such as articles, reviews, and guides that include affiliate links

❌ Prohibited Promotion Channels

• Incentivized traffic or paid-to-click schemes
• Spam or unsolicited bulk emails
• Trademark bidding on “Viator” brand terms in paid search without prior approval
• Adult content or inappropriate thematic sites
• Use of unauthorized coupon or deal websites to drive traffic

Commission Payment

• Approval Timeframe: Commissions are approved and paid after the booking has been completed and any cancellations/refunds have been accounted for. This typically involves a 30 to 45 day waiting period to ensure order validity.
• Minimum Payout Threshold: Affiliates must reach a minimum earnings threshold of $50 to receive payment.
• Payment Schedule: Payments are made monthly, generally around the 15th day of the month following the commission approval period.
• Payment Methods: Viator issues payments primarily via PayPal. Other payment methods may be available depending on the affiliate network used (e.g., direct deposit or wire transfers through CJ Affiliate or Impact).

Overall, Viator’s affiliate program is well-suited for travel content creators targeting users booking experiences globally. The competitive commission rates, robust product inventory, and trusted brand support a positive earning potential. Adhering to the promotion policies and leveraging Viator’s integration with established affiliate networks ensures reliable tracking and payments for affiliates.