Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Join Jacqueline van den Akker, head guide and director of Grampian Escapes & Tours, as she explains how online travel agencies (OTAs) such as GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor have transformed the company and expanded its customer reach.
Jacqueline discusses how OTAs play a key role in attracting tourists from both North America and Europe. She explains why selecting the right OTA is especially important for small group tours and highlights the advantages of integrating booking systems with OTAs through an API. Jacqueline also explores how automation helps streamline communication and reduce administrative workload, and why analysing booking data is vital for business planning and future growth.
If you’re curious about how small tour operators can best embrace digital tools, Jacqueline offers valuable insights into how to make online booking systems work for certain experiences, from food tours to walking adventures.
Find the right booking system for your attraction - support.visitscotland.org/advice-support/support-by-sector/visitor-attractions/bookings
Learn more about working with an OTA - support.visitscotland.org/advice-support/grow-your-business/travel-distribution/online-travel-agent
Mentioned in this video:
Grampian Escapes & Tours - grampianescapesandtours.co.uk
GetYourGuide (OTA) - getyourguide.com
Tripadvisor (OTA) - tripadvisor.co.uk
Viator (OTA) - viator.com
Bokun (booking system) - bokun.io
Join Jacqueline van den Akker, head guide and director of Grampian Escapes & Tours, as she explains how online travel agencies (OTAs) such as GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor have transformed the company and expanded its customer reach.
Jacqueline discusses how OTAs play a key role in attracting tourists from both North America and Europe. She explains why selecting the right OTA is especially important for small group tours and highlights the advantages of integrating booking systems with OTAs through an API. Jacqueline also explores how automation helps streamline communication and reduce administrative workload, and why analysing booking data is vital for business planning and future growth.
If you’re curious about how small tour operators can best embrace digital tools, Jacqueline offers valuable insights into how to make online booking systems work for certain experiences, from food tours to walking adventures.
Find the right booking system for your attraction - support.visitscotland.org/advice-support/support-by-sector/visitor-attractions/bookings
Learn more about working with an OTA - support.visitscotland.org/advice-support/grow-your-business/travel-distribution/online-travel-agent
Mentioned in this video:
Grampian Escapes & Tours - grampianescapesandtours.co.uk
GetYourGuide (OTA) - getyourguide.com
Tripadvisor (OTA) - tripadvisor.co.uk
Viator (OTA) - viator.com
Bokun (booking system) - bokun.io
