Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Discover how online travel agents (OTAs) such as Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide and Viator can help businesses grow – from filling extra seats to reaching international visitors – and hear how Scottish operators use these platforms to strengthen their booking strategies.
Jacqueline van den Akker (Grampian Escapes & Tours), Martin Heaney (Gallus Pedals), Paul Nixon (The Real Mary King’s Close), Liz Gunn (Rosebank Distillery) and Ian Ashton (SaltDog Marine) share first-hand experience of working with OTAs and the advantages they bring to businesses of different sizes and sectors.
OTAs boost visibility and build trust by showcasing reviews and rankings that many visitors rely on when choosing tours and experiences. They extend reach far beyond what most operators can achieve through their own channels, attracting international audiences and providing a steady flow of bookings year-round. Many guests first discover businesses through OTAs before returning to book directly, creating both immediate and long-term value.
Find out how OTAs support growth from filling capacity during quieter times to launching new products quickly, and why choosing the right platform for your niche helps target the right customers. Whether established or new to online booking tools, gain practical insights into how OTAs can help expand your reach and build your reputation.
support.visitscotland.org
Discover how online travel agents (OTAs) such as Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide and Viator can help businesses grow – from filling extra seats to reaching international visitors – and hear how Scottish operators use these platforms to strengthen their booking strategies.
Jacqueline van den Akker (Grampian Escapes & Tours), Martin Heaney (Gallus Pedals), Paul Nixon (The Real Mary King’s Close), Liz Gunn (Rosebank Distillery) and Ian Ashton (SaltDog Marine) share first-hand experience of working with OTAs and the advantages they bring to businesses of different sizes and sectors.
OTAs boost visibility and build trust by showcasing reviews and rankings that many visitors rely on when choosing tours and experiences. They extend reach far beyond what most operators can achieve through their own channels, attracting international audiences and providing a steady flow of bookings year-round. Many guests first discover businesses through OTAs before returning to book directly, creating both immediate and long-term value.
Find out how OTAs support growth from filling capacity during quieter times to launching new products quickly, and why choosing the right platform for your niche helps target the right customers. Whether established or new to online booking tools, gain practical insights into how OTAs can help expand your reach and build your reputation.
support.visitscotland.org
