Fotaflo Blog

The "Give to Get" Exchange: How to Ethically and Effectively Reclaim Your Guest Data

Written by Fotaflo | October 2, 2025

In the tourism and activities sector, data is the new currency—and the toughest asset to claim.

The challenge is well-known: Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) have become giants by controlling the booking funnel. While they deliver volume, they often do so at a cost far greater than just the commission: they withhold guest contact information.

This loss of direct communication is the biggest threat to your long-term profitability. Without direct access to your guests, you cannot build personalized relationships, foster loyalty, or drive repeat business, leaving you perpetually dependent on third-party channels.

So, how do you solve the data ownership problem when customers are more protective of their contact information than ever?

The answer is simple, powerful, and ethical: the “Give to Get” exchange.

 

The "Give to Get" Solution: Photos vs. Privacy

 

Let’s face it: in today's digital world, people don't give up their information easily. You’ve likely witnessed a guest filling out a digital waiver or sign-up sheet with a burner email like fake@email.com or a random phone number. They are wary of being spammed or over-marketed to.

However, there is one thing a guest values more than their privacy after an incredible experience: their authentic, high-quality photos and memories.

This is the Fotaflo difference. We turn your guests’ desire for their memories into the most powerful incentive imaginable. You are telling the guest, "We will send you your amazing photos from this experience, but we need the correct email or phone number to send them to."

The exchange is instantly fair, high-value, and reliable. The guest willingly provides their real contact information because the reward is something they truly want to keep and share.

 

Operationalizing the Exchange: Two Simple Methods

 

Fotaflo provides two primary, seamless methods to ensure you capture every valuable contact detail, regardless of how or where the guest booked their experience.

 

Method 1: The Seamless Integration (Booking Flow)

 

The easiest way to capture accurate contact information is to integrate it directly into the process the guest has already committed to: the booking flow.

Fotaflo connects directly with major reservation technology (Res Tech) platforms used by tour operators.

  • How it Works: When a guest books a tour through your website (using your Res Tech software), the contact information they provide during checkout is automatically passed to Fotaflo. The data transfer is secure, efficient, and requires no extra step for the operator or the guest.

  • The Benefit: This is the highest-converting method because the customer is already focused on transaction completion. It ensures a near-100% capture rate for direct bookings.

 

Method 2: The Contact Adding Feature (On-Site Capture)

 

What about guests who book through an OTA, arrive without a prior booking entry, or are part of a larger group that only had one lead contact? This is where the Contact Adding feature steps in to reclaim lost OTA data.

  • How it Works: Operators use the Fotaflo mobile app to display a unique QR code. Guests scan this code with their own phone, which directs them to a secure, simple form where they can enter their contact details (email and/or SMS number).

  • The Benefit: This is a frictionless, self-service solution. The customer is motivated by the "Give to Get" incentive (receiving their photos), so they are happy to quickly input their correct information on the spot. It's the simplest way to regain control over the customer relationship, regardless of the booking channel.

 

The Long-Term Value of Direct Data

 

By using the photos as the incentive, you don't just solve a data collection problem; you kickstart a relationship.

Direct access to contact information allows you to:

  1. Drive Repeat Business: Follow up with personalized emails featuring their photos and exclusive offers, encouraging them to book directly next time.

  2. Build Loyalty: Own the post-experience communication, fostering a personal connection that makes guests advocates for your brand.

  3. Outsmart OTAs: Reduce your dependence on third-party channels by building your own sustainable, loyal customer base.

Stop competing with fake emails and start leveraging the high-value asset you already own: your guests’ incredible memories. The "Give to Get" exchange is the proven, ethical path to data ownership and long-term business success.

 

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