What’s the Best Booking Site for Outdoor Activity Professionals?

Today, most travellers book their outdoor experiences online, either well in advance or at the last minute. As a professional guide, independent instructor, local agency or outdoor sports school, being visible on the right booking channels has become essential for growing your business.

Between generalist booking sites, tourism marketplaces, inbound agencies, booking software and niche websites, it’s not always easy to choose the right solution. So which booking site should you pick as an outdoor professional?

In this article, we help you navigate the top Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) for outdoor experiences, with a special focus on what makes Manawa the go-to website for professionals in the outdoor and adventure sector.

Summary

  • Why list your outdoor activities on a booking site?
  • Overview of the main Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
  • Manawa: the booking site designed for outdoor professionals
  • Comparison table
  • Key takeaways
  • Partner FAQ

Why list your outdoor activities on a booking platform?

Being featured on a booking site doesn’t replace your own website or direct sales, it enhances them. Here’s what it can bring you:

  • International visibility, especially among travellers who prefer to book online.
  • Additional bookings, without any extra marketing on your part.
  • Simplified operations, with instant or request-based bookings.
  • Secure, guaranteed payments, through an escrow system (you get paid after the activity takes place).
  • Increased credibility, thanks to verified reviews and a professional presentation of your offers.

In short: you stay in control of your availability, prices and conditions—while gaining access to a high-performance sales channel.

Overview of the Main Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

General travel sites

  • Viator (TripAdvisor) : Strong in urban tourism and sightseeing tours. High traffic, but not well suited to technical or guided outdoor activities.
  • GetYourGuide : Well-established in large cities, with solid traffic, but limited filtering options for nature or adventure sports.
  • Klook : Major player in Asia, with an audience more focused on leisure than outdoor sports.

Niche services

  • Manawa : One of the only 100% dedicated websites for guided outdoor activities. International presence, local teams on the ground, and strong expertise in the needs of outdoor professionals.
  • CheckYeti : Specialist in mountain-based experiences, particularly ski, snowboard and other winter sports lessons. Well positioned for the winter season and expanding into summer activities in the Alps.

Most OTAs are designed for general tourism. If you offer guided activities in the mountains, on rivers, at sea or in natural settings, it makes more sense to work with a service that truly understands your profession and the specific demands of outdoor experiences.

Manawa: Built for Outdoor Professionals

Manawa is an international online booking site dedicated to guided outdoor sports and adventures. It features over 10,000 activities worldwide, created in direct collaboration with guides, instructors, schools and local agencies.

Why work with Manawa?

  • 100% outdoor focus: paragliding, canyoning, climbing, via ferrata, surfing, mountain biking, scuba diving, and more.
  • Fast and assisted onboarding: your listings are created with you, to reflect what you actually offer on the ground.
  • Easy management tools: fixed slots, open dates, instant or on-request bookings.
  • Transparent model: commission only on confirmed bookings. No monthly fees. No commitment.
  • Human support: a French-based team, available 7 days a week to help you out.
  • Targeted international audience: Manawa is available in 4 languages and attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for reliable local providers.
  • Works with your existing tools: integrations available with FareHarbor, Bókun, Rezdy, Trekksoft, Regiondo, and more.

Comparison Table: Leading OTAs for Outdoor Professionals

Comparative table of the main OTAs for outdoor professionals

Key Takeaways

As an outdoor activity professional, being visible online is now essential to growing your business. Showing up where travellers are searching, on a site dedicated to activity bookings, helps you reach a fast-growing international demand.

Manawa provides a clear, accessible, and expert solution tailored to the outdoor industry:

  • You stay in control of your availability, pricing and activity details.
  • You reach a qualified international audience looking for authentic, guided, and safe experiences.
  • You’re featured on a site focused exclusively on outdoor sports, not buried among general tourism offers.
  • You get personalised support and easy-to-use tools designed for your day-to-day reality in the field

Bottom line: more visibility, more bookings, without losing control.

Partner FAQ

Who can sell their activities on Manawa?

Any legally registered outdoor professional (certified guide, instructor, school or local agency) with up-to-date liability insurance. Every new partner is verified by the Manawa team before going live.

Do I need a booking system already?

No. Manawa works just as well with a manual calendar or with connected booking tools (FareHarbor, Bókun, Regiondo, etc.). If you already have one, integration is available.

When do I get paid?

Payments are made on the 15th of the month following the date of the activity, using an escrow model: customers pay at the time of booking, the funds are held securely, and you're paid after the activity takes place.

Does Manawa handle customer service?

Yes. The Manawa team handles all customer communications related to the booking, before, during and after. You only need to manage the technical or logistical details of delivering the activity.

Ready to join Manawa?

Create your free provider account here: manawa.com/en-GB/providers

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