One of the world’s largest online travel agencies (OTAs), known for selling tours and experiences, has just increased the commission it takes from Canadian and global tour operators—by anywhere from 2% to 7%.
On average, their commission has jumped from 25% to over 30%!
That means for every $100 a local tour earns, this OTA now keeps more than $30. That means 30% of every booking made removes 30% from the local economy. Add the triple effect of tourism dollars, that $30 translates to $90 removed from local economies.
And who ends up paying the price? Not the OTA. Not Google or Meta, where the money is often spent on ads.
It’s our Canadian travelers, towns and cities who pay a big price.
Small, local tourism businesses can’t absorb those rising costs. So, just as the summer season kicks off, they’re being forced to raise prices—and you pay more for the exact same experience.
All so large corporations can satisfy shareholders and increase their bottom line.
Where does it stop? 40%? 50%? 60%? And we, as travellers, are unknowingly supporting this.
It’s time to rethink how we book our adventures in Canada and beyond. Let’s take back control. Book direct when possible. When you book directly with tour operators:
- You often get better prices.
- You support local businesses more directly.
- Your money stays in the community, not in Silicon Valley.
That’s why EHCanadaTravel.com is a book direct website, with a planning element to extend stays. It is the largest privately operated travel website in Canada. Our platform features Canadian tourism businesses and our listings take you straight to the tour operator’s website—no middlemen, no commissions.
Operators can upload their own videos, photos, specials, events and showcase their experiences directly to travellers—transparent, fair, and local-first.
Together, we can build a better system that keeps prices affordable, supports small business, and gives travellers real value.
Book smarter. Book direct. Support local.
Thank you to my colleague, Martin Rosenberg, for bringing this to my attention.
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