Top 5 FareHarbor Alternatives: A Comparison Guide for 2024
FareHarbor, owned by Booking.com, is a widely used online booking system for tours, activities, and rentals. With a modern interface and user-friendly features, it’s a platform designed to help you grow your business and, at first glance, it appears free to use.
That said, many activity operators and event organizers are seeking alternatives because of FareHarbor's high booking fee. At 6%, it’s one of the highest in the industry.
Additionally, FareHarbor passes the booking fee to the end customer. So while the platform may seem appealing to you as an event organizer, your customers might not be happy when they’re surprised with a larger fee at checkout.
In the rest of this article, we’ll compare some of the best alternatives to FareHarbor for 2024.
#1 TicketSpice
TicketSpice is easy to use, highly customizable, and incredibly affordable. Here are a few reasons why TicketSpice is the number one event ticketing software for event pros to sell tickets online.
👍 Pricing - TicketSpice costs a flat fee of 99¢ per ticket plus standard credit card processing of 2.9% + 30¢. The pricing is simple and public for all to see.
👍 Smooth Check-in - With the TicketSpice scanning app, individuals and groups can check in in less than a second.
👍 Intuitive Interface: TicketSpice is easy to use for attendees and organizers alike. From creating promotional content to purchasing tickets, it streamlines processes and keeps them efficient.
👍 Integration Options: The TicketSpice software is compatible with thousands of the online tools you already know and love. With TicketSpice, your technology of choice integrates smoothly with your CRM, marketing tools, and other existing systems.
👍 Data Analytics: TicketSpice offers robust analytics and reporting that enables you to measure the success of your event’s marketing efforts to make next year even better.
👍 Branding Autonomy: With TicketSpice, you have full autonomy over your branding. TicketSpice puts the spotlight where it should be—on your event and your brand.
👍 Reliable Customer Support: TicketSpice offers free and friendly support from real people who care about your event. If you run into issues or have questions, we got your back.
Cons: It may not be suitable for small events such as family reunions or weddings.
#2 Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a versatile event technology platform equipped to handle a variety of event types, from concerts and shows to festivals and fairs. They offer marketing tools, some customizability in the event page, and analytics that can provide valuable insights into attendee engagement.
Cons: While Eventbrite is popular, its prices are steep, and transaction fees add up for larger events. If you find their fees prohibitive, don’t hold your breath and wait for a price drop, because their fees are consistently increasing. Other downsides to consider are their limited customization options for ticket types and their lack of customer service.
➡️Click to check out the Eventbrite reviews.
#3 Peek Pro
If growth is a top priority for your team, then Peek Pro might be a good alternative to FareHarbor; they specialize in scaling large tours and attractions. Peek Pro offers features such as online booking, flexible payment options (including Apple Pay), integrations, and a reporting dashboard. Their reservation management system makes scheduling easy, and their marketing features are designed to effectively retarget, upsell, and retain customers.
Cons: They don’t share their pricing online, but according to the reviewers, the fees are high and tend to fluctuate. You can expect a 6% booking fee and a $199 set up fee—at least. Peek Pro is also known to have a steep learning curve and lacking customer service. That’s a tough combination!
➡️ Click to check out the reviews for Peek Pro.
#4 Rezdy
If you run a large enterprise or global team, then Redzy could be a good potential alternative to FareHarbor. Specializing in travel management, they centralize, automate, and manage your trip with ease. The features of the booking software are designed specifically for tour operators, activity providers, and travel agencies. It boasts an intuitive itinerary builder, robust scheduling tools, payment management, real-time availability updates, automated confirmations, and comprehensive reporting. All of its features aim to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
Cons: Some reviewers report that the software is clunky and has glitches. You’ll also pay more for advanced features. Costs start anywhere between $49 and $249 a month.
➡️ Click to check out the reviews for Redzy.
#5 TrekkSoft
Appropriately named, TrekkSoft is tailored for teams and travel agencies specializing in adventure tours like hiking, cycling, excursions, and destination getaways. The features, usability, and price are comparable to FareHarbor, but it is particularly popular among European tour operators.
Its intuitive platform is focused on enhancing the customer experience and making bookings straightforward and hassle-free. TrekkSoft also offers real-time availability and automated communications to make your processes more efficient.
Cons: With the ultimate plan priced at $289 a month, the pricing might be steep for smaller operators. The learning curve can also be steep when it comes to the advanced features.
Conclusion: Finding the Best FareHarbor Alternative for Your Needs
Choosing the right booking platform for your tours, activities, or events is essential to achieving success in 2024. If FareHarbor's high booking fees and customer-facing charges have led you to seek alternatives, here’s a summary of the top 5 and their strengths and weaknesses.
- TicketSpice: Offers a clear, transparent pricing model with extensive customization options, robust analytics, and seamless integrations. It is ideal for event pros focused on branding, attendee experience, and efficient operations.
- Eventbrite: A versatile platform with strong marketing tools and analytics. Its steep fees and limited ticket customization might be a drawback for larger events.
- Peek Pro: Best for large tour operators looking to scale, although it has a steep learning curve and fluctuating fees.
- Rezdy: Good for large enterprises and global teams with advanced travel management features, but it can be costly and occasionally glitchy.
- TrekkSoft: Particularly popular in Europe, it’s tailored for adventure tours and offers comprehensive management tools. The high cost and steep learning curve could be challenging.
When selecting the best platform, consider the specific features, pricing, and support offered by each one. Evaluate whether the platform aligns with your business goals and operational requirements. Dive into the details of each alternative, and make an informed decision to find the perfect fit for your operations in 2024. If you have any questions about TicketSpice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We’re here to help you have the best event ever!
— The TicketSpice team
