Managing and Optimizing Specialty Tours on Xola

Managing and Optimizing Specialty Tours on Xola

Introduction: Creating specialty tour listings on Xola can be a key differentiator for operators. It not only allows a unique experience for customers but can also lead to higher sales. Examples include morning mimosas, sunset tours, or even city-specific offerings like the bioluminescent Paddle Pub tour.

Steps to Set Up Specialty Tours in Xola:
  1. Decide on the Special Tours: Before setting up on Xola, brainstorm and finalize the specialty tours you'd like to offer.
  2. Create New Listings in Xola:
    • Duplication: Start by duplicating your existing listings to maintain consistent settings.
    • Edit the New Listing: Adjust the listing name, photos, time, price, and descriptions to fit the new specialty tour.
    • Manage Time Slots: Remove the specialty time slot from generic listings to avoid booking overlaps.
  3. Avoid Booking Overlaps: Ensure that when one slot is booked, it blocks off availability in another, preventing double bookings. This is crucial for listings that may appear in multiple categories or times, like a sunset trip.
  4. Pricing and Value: Use the listing descriptions to explain the unique value of the specialty tour and potentially justify any price differentials. Remember, the idea is to create value in the eyes of the customer.
  5. Equipment Attachment: Always ensure that equipment is attached to those listings to avoid overbooking.
  6. Run Trials: Before going live:
    • Book as a customer to identify and correct glitches.
    • Double-check minimum trip requirements.
    • Ensure that no double bookings are possible for the same time slot.
  7. Integrate with your Website:
    • Once set up in Xola, navigate to settings and look for the button code.
    • Use the multi-item checkout to find the button on your site.
    • Click edit and drag in the new listing. All of this can be done directly within the Xola platform, no website edits required.

Tips and Takeaways:
  • Customization: Every operator has unique offerings. Some might have multiple departures a day like the mimosas brunch tour or the "reeling in sunset" tour.
  • Flexibility with Public and Private Bookings: Consider offering certain time slots only as private listings to ensure profitability.
  • Feedback Loop: Build a good rapport with on-ground staff, like captains, who can give real-time feedback about conditions, thus enhancing customer experience.
  • Stay Informed: Always stay updated with any new features or updates on Xola that can enhance your specialty tour listings.

XOLA TIP: When creating a new listing (or duplicating an existing one), make sure to assign the listing to your assets by going to Resources -> Equipment Management.


What Good Looks Like:
  • User-Centric Design: Customers should find it easy to understand and book specialty tours without confusion.
  • No Overbooking: Equipment and time slots should be perfectly synchronized to avoid any conflicts.
  • Unique Offerings Stand Out: Specialty listings should be prominently displayed and should have a clear value proposition to attract customer interest.
  • Regular Monitoring and Updating: Always keep an eye on your offerings, check for glitches, and regularly update based on feedback and seasonality.
  • Efficient Integration: The integration between Xola and your website should be seamless. Any changes in Xola should reflect immediately on the website.
  • Feedback-Driven: Actively seek feedback from customers and staff to refine and optimize the specialty tour experience.

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