Distribution with Google Things to Do

What Google Things to Do does for you

When a traveler searches for your tour, the city, or the attraction you serve, GTTD shows your activity directly in Google Search and Maps — with the price, photo, rating, and a 'Book on official site' link straight to your checkout.

Travelers click your name instead of a Viator listing. You keep 100% of the booking.

What you need to be eligible

You already covered most of this in earlier lessons. The checklist:

• Verified Google Business Profile (Lesson 1) ✓
• Booking system connected, or a partner like us (Lesson 2) ✓
• Dedicated page per product with clear price + booking button (Lesson 3) ✓
• Business operating in an eligible country (most of Europe, Americas, APAC)
• Compliance with Google's quality and content policies

The fastest path: use a Google Connectivity Partner

Going direct with Google requires hand-built XML feeds and a manual review that can take months. We're a Google Connectivity Partner — we handle the feed, the schema, the GBP sync, and the Official Site badge submission. Most operators are live in under 7 days.

Optimize your Google listing

Optimize your presence across Google Business Profile (GBP) and Google Things to Do (GTTD). These four steps are the foundation of becoming a direct-booking powerhouse.

1. Identify your business eligibility

The Operator Booking Module is designed for businesses that provide direct experiences. Make sure your business falls into one of the eligible categories:

• Tour & Travel Agencies — general tour agencies, tour operators, bus ticket agencies
• Equipment & Ride Rentals — bike, ATV, scooter, boat, kayak, snowmobile rentals, horseback riding, dog sledding
• Adventure Sports — bungee jumping, rafting, diving centers, rock climbing, skydiving, surfing schools
• Wineries & Craft Beverages — wineries, distilleries, breweries, wine bars, cellars
• Classes & Retreats — cooking classes, pottery classes, yoga retreats, onsens
• Entertainment Centers — go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, karaoke, performing arts theaters
• Outdoor & Farm — ski resorts, vineyards, orchards, farms

2. How to change your business type

If your business is currently listed under a generic category that doesn't match the eligibility list, update your Primary Category in your Google Business Profile:

• Log in to your Google Business Profile dashboard
• Click the "Edit profile" button
• Under the "About" tab, click the pencil icon next to Business category
• Start typing a category that matches the eligibility list (e.g. "Tour operator" or "Boat rental service")
• Click "Save" — changes may take up to 48 hours to reflect

3. Locate your Google Place ID

The Google Place ID is a unique identifier that connects your GTTD tickets directly to your physical business location on Google Maps.

• Visit the official Google Place ID Finder (developers.google.com/maps/documentation/places/web-service/place-id)
• Search for your business name in the search bar on the map
• Copy the alphanumeric code that appears next to your business name
• If you can't find your Place ID, email media@cheapfunthingstodo.com and we'll help you find it

4. Selecting the right Points of Interest (POIs)

To show up in the Tickets and Activities modules, you must link your tours to Points of Interest (POIs). Google is specific about which are allowed.

OK to use: historical sites, landmarks, and tourist attractions that can be verified.

Do NOT use: train stations, cities, lakes, or broad areas.

After you're live

Two things to watch every week:

• GBP Insights — clicks to your booking site
• Your booking system attribution — confirm bookings tagged 'Google'