About FareHarbor
FareHarbor is a leading online booking software and management platform designed specifically for tour and activity operators. Acquired by Booking Holdings (the parent company of Booking.com) in 2018, it provides business tools for companies offering boat rentals, food tours, outdoor activities, and more.
While its core business is B2B software, the brand operates the FareHarbor Distribution Network (FHDN). This is their affiliate partner ecosystem that allows third-party content creators, travel bloggers, and other businesses to resell live inventory from FareHarbor’s thousands of clients, effectively turning the software platform into a massive decentralized travel agency.
FareHarbor Affiliate Program Overview
FareHarbor’s program is unique because it connects affiliates directly with local tour operators rather than acting as a middleman OTA (Online Travel Agency).
| Feature | Description |
| Industry | Travel, Tourism & Hospitality |
| Product Type | Tours, Activities, Rentals, and Attractions (e.g., boat tours, food walks, escape rooms) |
| Affiliate Program Type | CPA (Cost Per Action) — Pay per completed booking |
FareHarbor Affiliate Program Offers
| Feature | Description |
| Promotional Materials | Customizable “Book Now” buttons, embedded booking calendars, text links, QR codes, and API access for advanced users. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | 30 Days (Standard for the travel industry). |
| Accepted Traffic Sources | Travel blogs, destination websites, social media (via Link-in-bio or QR codes), email newsletters, and local business referrals (concierges). |
| Accepted Countries | Restricted List: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and select European countries (partners must generally have a bank account in these supported regions). |
| Explicit Content | Prohibited. Sites must not contain adult content, violence, or hate speech. |
| Religious/Political Content | Generally discouraged if it is divisive or extreme; standard brand safety rules apply. |
FareHarbor Affiliate Commissions & Payments
| Feature | Description |
| MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) | No. This is a direct single-tier affiliate partnership. |
| Commission Rate | Up to 15% (Rates can be negotiated or set by the specific tour operator, but ~15% is the standard network rate). |
| Commission Structure | Percentage of the total booking value (excluding taxes and fees). Paid only on completed bookings. |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly. Commissions are typically calculated at the end of the month and transferred around the 10th business day of the following month. |
| Payout Methods | Direct Bank Transfer (via Stripe). |
| Minimum Payout | Typically None (or very low, e.g., $10), as payments are automated via direct deposit. |
Suitable Affiliates for FareHarbor
The FareHarbor program is best suited for creators who focus on specific destinations (e.g., “Things to do in Hawaii”) rather than general travel, as you connect directly with local operators.
- Travel Bloggers: especially those writing “Top 10 things to do in [City]” guides.
- TikTokers / YouTubers: creating travel vlogs or “Hidden Gem” content.
- KOC / KOL: Key Opinion Leaders in the lifestyle and travel niche.
- Local Guides/Concierges: Physical businesses or individuals recommending local spots.
- Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs): Local tourism boards.
- Niche Influencers: e.g., Foodies (Food tours) or Adventure seekers (Kayaking/Hiking).
FareHarbor Affiliate Software
In-House Software.
FareHarbor does not use a public affiliate network like Impact or ShareASale. Instead, they use their own proprietary FareHarbor Distribution Network (FHDN) Dashboard.
- Pros: Real-time availability checking, direct connection to the operator’s calendar.
- Cons: Requires a specific application and approval process; not as “plug-and-play” as generic networks.
3 Alternatives for FareHarbor Affiliate Program
FareHarbor works by connecting you to the operator’s software. The main alternatives are large OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) that aggregate these tours.
| Comparison Factor | FareHarbor | Viator (Tripadvisor) | GetYourGuide | Klook |
| Primary Focus | Direct Operator Connectivity | Global Tour Aggregator | European/Global Experiences | Asian/Global Attractions |
| Average Bill | $100 – $150 (High variance) | $50 – $150 | $50 – $150 | $30 – $100 (Lower for tickets) |
| Entry Fees | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | None / Low | $50 | $50 | $50 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Commission | High (~15%) | Medium (8%) | Medium (8-10%) | Low-Medium (2-5%) |
| Conversion Rate | High (Live availability directly from source) | Medium (High traffic but competitive) | High (Excellent UX) | High (Especially in Asia) |
| Marketing Materials | Widgets, Calendars, Buttons | Banners, Deep Links, Widgets | Banners, Widgets, Links | Banners, QR Codes, Links |
