TORONTO — TripAdvisor’s Viator has launched its new Travel Agent Program (TAP), a booking platform created specifically for travel agents.

Agents can now book directly through Viator and get direct and immediate access to 70,000+ commissionable tours and attractions, including TripAdvisor and Viator’s VIP, Exclusive and Skip the Line products.

TAP is designed to be an inclusive platform, extending registration options to both host agencies and independent agents. Since testing began last month, thousands of agents have created accounts and booked experiences for their clients directly through Viator, says the company.

Registered agents will also have access to a resource centre with tips and content including agent training, product knowledge development and destination guides.

“While most platforms cater to the end-user or traveller, we’ve designed TAP specifically for travel agents and their businesses,” said Ben Drew, Head of Growth, Viator. “For the first time, agents will have direct access to the world’s largest collection of attractions and tours, and we’re working to make their booking experience seamless.”

Drew said that so far feedback from agents on the platform has been positive.

He says TAP offers a competitive commission rate and caters to a global travel agent audience, allowing for multiple currencies, along with monthly reporting for performance analysis. Agents can join the program without any fees or restrictions to book as an individual, a host agency, or member of host agency and receive direct commission from Viator, without third-party payment distribution. For details see travelagents.viator.com.

Viator’s TAP is not to be confused with Expedia’s TAAP, the OTA’s agent-friendly online booking platform. Expedia’s TAAP launched in Canada in 2010.