5 top tips to help you turn empty spots into bookings.
Picture this: a traveler lands in your destination, checks into their hotel, and opens Viator looking for something to do today.
They’re ready to book—but your experience isn’t available. So they book someone else.
With more than half of Viator’s mobile and app bookings happening within 3 days of the experience, moments like this happen every day.
That’s a huge opportunity.
But if your products aren’t set up for last-minute bookings, travelers won’t find you—and they’ll book something else instead.
Here are 5 ways to capture more last-minute demand and make the most of every available spot.
Keep Your Booking Cut-Off Time Short
If your booking window closes too early, you may be shutting out travelers who are ready to book right now.
For many experiences, a cut-off time of under 4 hours can help you stay visible to same-day travelers making spontaneous plans.
Ask yourself:
- Could someone book this experience today?
- Am I closing bookings earlier than I need to?
Even a small adjustment can unlock more last-minute bookings.
Keep Availability up to Date Automatically
If you use a booking software, connectivity can help keep your availability accurate automatically.
But setup matters.
A sync issue or incorrect configuration can make your products appear unavailable—even when you still have space.
Take a few minutes to:
- Confirm your product options are all connected. (Product > Connectivity)
- Check that each connected product is syncing correctly. (How to Monitor Sync Status)
- Review products showing sync issues or unexpected availability gaps.
Keeping both your NSP and booking software up to date A quick check of both your could mean the difference between missed bookings and capturing last-minute demand in the marketplace.
Offer More Language Options
Travelers are far more likely to book when they can experience something in their own language.
If a large share of visitors coming to your destination speak a language you’re not currently offering, adding a departure in that language—with a dedicated guide—can:
- Create more bookable inventory.
- Expand your reach.
- Help convert travelers who might otherwise skip your product.
If you already run tours in more than one language, make sure they’re all showing up on Viator. Either make sure you select all relevant languages within an existing option, or set up a separate option for each—whatever works best for how you manage your business.
Either way, if those languages aren’t listed you’re missing out on bookings from travelers who are already searching for exactly what you offer.If you already run a popular experience, multilingual versions could help you capture more demand without creating something entirely new.
Add More Availability When Demand Is There
Sold out on one departure? That doesn’t have to mean missed bookings.
If you have capacity, consider:
- Adding another departure time.
- Creating an additional tour option.
- Opening more inventory during busy periods.
More bookable options means fewer travelers bouncing to a competitor.
Keep Your Calendar Accurate
Nothing kills bookings faster than looking unavailable when you’re not.
If your schedule changes, make sure your availability is updated in the Supplier Management Center as soon as possible.
That includes:
- New operating hours.
- Seasonal schedule changes.
- Extra departures.
- Temporary closures.
Fresh calendars help travelers find—and book—you.
Don’t Let Last-Minute Travelers Pass You By
Last-minute demand is one of the biggest booking opportunities on Viator—especially during peak travel periods.
The travelers are there. They’re searching. They’re ready to book.
Make sure your products are ready too.
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