If you're a tour operator or attraction looking for the right booking software, you've likely come across both TicketingHub and Xola. Both are well-regarded platforms built specifically for tours, activities, and attractions — but they take very different approaches to pricing, features, and growth strategy.
In this article, we compare both platforms honestly, side-by-side, so you can make the best decision for your business.
Quick answer: Xola is a feature-rich platform with a strong marketing automation suite and built-in digital waivers. TicketingHub wins on pricing transparency, conversion innovation (Magic Link, Email Validator), OTA growth, and global accessibility. For operators focused on maximising revenue with lower fees, TicketingHub is the stronger choice.
At a Glance: TicketingHub vs Xola
Pricing: Which Platform Is Actually Cheaper?
Pricing is often the deciding factor — and here, the two platforms take notably different approaches.
TicketingHub Pricing
TicketingHub charges a flat 3% transaction fee on every booking. There are no monthly subscription fees, no setup fees, and no hidden charges. Whether you process 10 bookings or 10,000, the fee structure never changes. This model means TicketingHub's success is directly tied to yours — they only earn when you earn.
Xola Pricing
Xola advertises a 2.39% + $0.30 per transaction rate for credit card processing. However, this covers credit card rates only. An additional platform fee applies and is only available on request. This makes true cost comparison difficult without speaking to a sales rep.
Pricing Verdict
For straightforward cost visibility, TicketingHub wins. The 3% flat rate is immediately understandable and genuinely fee-free outside of that. Xola's pricing requires a sales conversation, which adds friction for operators comparing options.
Real-world example: On £10,000/month in bookings — TicketingHub costs £300. Xola's credit card rate alone would be ~£275 before the platform fee. Once the platform fee is added, the total cost is typically higher.
Features: Where Each Platform Excels
Online Booking & Conversion
Both platforms offer a customisable booking widget designed to maximise conversions. But TicketingHub has two features that Xola simply doesn't offer:
🔗 Magic Link (TicketingHub exclusive)
Instead of requiring customers to create an account or remember a password, TicketingHub's Magic Link sends customers a unique, secure link via email or SMS to access their bookings, make changes, or rebook — all in one click. This dramatically reduces booking abandonment and friction.
"Less abandoned checkouts through its ease of use" — Chris G., Day Tour Operator (Capterra review)
✉️ Email Validator (TicketingHub exclusive)
An automatic tool that validates customer email addresses in real-time during checkout, reducing failed communications and ensuring your abandoned cart recovery campaigns actually reach customers.
Xola counters with XolaBot — their AI-driven marketing automation suite that handles cart recovery, upsells, and journey optimisation around the clock.
OTA Distribution & Reseller Network
TicketingHub's OTA performance speaks for itself: OTA GMV grew +401% between 2022–2025 (£2.1M → £10.7M), with a 72% OTA CAGR. Active integrations include Viator, GetYourGuide, LoveToVisit, TXGB, and a growing distribution network — with real-time inventory sync across all channels.
Xola integrates with Viator, GetYourGuide, and a broader distribution network with no added OTA fees.
Point of Sale (POS)
Both platforms offer mobile POS systems for iOS and Android. TicketingHub's POS works offline and is compatible with printers, cash registers, PDQ machines, and turnstiles. Xola's POS is more advanced for high-volume attractions, featuring kiosk mode and virtual queuing.
Digital Waivers
Xola has digital waivers built natively. TicketingHub integrates with Smartwaiver — a dedicated digital waiver platform. For new operators, this requires setting up an additional service.
Customer Reviews: What Operators Actually Say
TicketingHub (Capterra — 5.0/5)
"TicketingHub is a fantastic booking management system. It has great features including the abandoned cart emails which have noticeably reduced the number of people that don't book."
— Shannon R., Small Business Owner
"400% growth in ticket sales after moving from Checkfront to TicketingHub."
— City Tours Belfast
Xola (Capterra — 4.7/5, 573 reviews)
"Our revenue has tripled and it is still growing since we started using Xola."
— Lasting Adventures
Who Should Choose TicketingHub?
- ✅ Want total pricing transparency — just a flat 3% fee
- ✅ Focused on reducing booking abandonment (Magic Link)
- ✅ Want to grow your OTA channel fast (+401% OTA growth)
- ✅ Operate internationally and need multi-currency, multi-language support
- ✅ Run food tours, walking tours, or cultural experiences
- ✅ Value 24/7 responsive support
- ✅ Want a quick setup — live in 5 minutes
Who Should Choose Xola?
- ✅ Need built-in digital waivers without a third-party integration
- ✅ Run high-volume attractions requiring kiosks and virtual queuing
- ✅ Want a website built for you as part of the platform
- ✅ Need advanced NPS and customer survey tools built natively
- ✅ Want the most comprehensive marketing automation suite (XolaBot)
The Verdict
For most tour operators and activity providers looking to maximise direct revenue, reduce fees, and grow OTA distribution, TicketingHub is the stronger choice in 2026. For adventure activity operators or large attractions needing built-in waivers, kiosks, and marketing automation, Xola is a compelling alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TicketingHub cheaper than Xola?
TicketingHub charges a flat 3% transaction fee with no monthly subscription or hidden fees. Xola charges 2.39% + $0.30 per credit card transaction plus an undisclosed platform fee. For most operators, TicketingHub's all-in cost is comparable or lower, with the advantage of full pricing transparency upfront.
Does TicketingHub integrate with Viator and GetYourGuide?
Yes. TicketingHub has direct API integrations with Viator, GetYourGuide, LoveToVisit, TXGB, and a growing distribution network. Clients using TicketingHub's OTA integrations have grown their OTA revenue by over 400%.
Does Xola have an abandoned cart feature?
Yes. Xola's XolaBot includes cart recovery automation. TicketingHub also has automated abandoned cart drip campaigns, plus the unique Magic Link feature that reduces abandonment at checkout.
Can I switch from Xola to TicketingHub?
Yes. TicketingHub's onboarding team can help migrate your products, availability, and customer data. Most operators are fully set up and selling within 5 minutes to a few days depending on complexity.
Which platform is better for food tours?
TicketingHub is the platform of choice for food tour operators — Secret Food Tours, one of the world's largest food tour operators, uses TicketingHub. Key features include small group management, custom questions (dietary preferences), multi-language support, and the Magic Link for easy rebooking.
