How to run a tour business: a monthly routine

Pick a fixed day each month, such as the first Monday, and run the same checks: they show what to fix and where to grow.

Your monthly routine

Tick these off on your fixed day:

1
Check your numbers
Profit per departure, occupancy, cancellations and what each channel's bookings cost: see Numbers and cash flow.
2
Roll your cash forecast forward
Keep it 13 weeks ahead, and act now on any week that runs short.
3
Match each booking site's statement
Check every payout from an online travel agency against the bookings it covers.
4
Fix the top complaint
The one that comes up most in the month's reviews and ratings, on every site. Answer the reviews themselves every week: see Guests and reviews.
5
Compare your guides' ratings
How each guide and driver did this month, to plan training and rewards: see Guides and staff.
6
Review the safety log
Every incident and near miss, and what you change because of it: see Safety plan.
7
Check first-aid certificates
Book a course for any guide or driver whose certificate ends within two months.

Before each busy season

✓Train your guides again, first aid included.
✓Service vehicles, boats and gear.
✓Take new photos and refresh your listings.
✓Send next season's prices to hotels and agents.

Lead the team, watch the money, grow

Guides and staff

Hire, train, pay and schedule guides and drivers. See Guides and staff.

Numbers and cash flow

Seven numbers to watch, a 13-week cash forecast and the low season. See Numbers and cash flow.

Grow your business

What to add, in what order, and when to hire or open in a new place. See Grow your business.

In TourTask

Economy → Reports shows each month's profit and what one group departure earned: see Reports. Guests can also rate their guides and drivers after the tour: see Reviews.