TripAdvisor Launches TripConnect

TripAdvisor has launched TripConnect, a self-service platform which allows TripAdvisor Business Listings subscribers to participate in Hotel Price Comparison and drive direct bookings to their own property’s website.

Each month, over 260 million unique users visit TripAdvisor to plan travel and TripConnect will enable independent accommodation owners to bid for this traffic, an option that was previously only available to online travel agents and large hotel chains.

With the launch of TripConnect, independent hotels and B&Bs will be able to add their own direct rates and availability, meaning that travellers can click directly through to the property’s own website to make a booking.

TripConnect complements the recent launch of the “meta”, or Hotel Price Comparison, search functionality which allows visitors to TripAdvisor sites to see real-time rates and availability from various booking partners at the same time. The visitor then clicks on the search results link of their choice and is directed to the hotel or OTA’s booking engine where they can then make a reservation.

“We are delighted to bring to market a service that fills a need for the hoteliers in the industry” said Jean-Charles Lacoste, TripAdvisor’s Vice President of Direct Connect Solutions. “It’s a unique way we can use technology to level the travel accommodation landscape, placing small and independent properties on an equal footing with large hotels and Online Travel Agencies. Clearly TripConnect is fulfilling a need, as evidenced by the significant number of Internet booking engines working with us to provide this platform to their customers. TripConnect is designed to help independent owners drive more direct bookings and increase revenues, as well as collecting more reviews and tracking performance.”

TripConnect is a self-service platform, meaning that its usage is entirely within the control of the business. Business Listings subscribers will simply need to place a bid that reflects their budget. They can bid for a favourable position in the Hotel Price Comparison rankings by choosing the amount per click they wish to pay.

TripConnect is a cost-per-click solution, which means that participating hoteliers only pay when a traveller clicks through to their website.

In order to participate, hoteliers and B&B owners must have a valid Business Listings with TripAdvisor and work with an internet booking engine that partners with TripAdvisor in providing TripConnect.

Additional TripConnect features include automated post-trip review collection, through Review Express and revenue tracking services, enabling TripConnect users to monitor the benefits of the service.