Tripadvisor

Online travel company

Tripadvisor logo

Tripadvisor is an American online travel company that operates a website and mobile app with user-generated content and a comparison shopping website. It offers online hotel reservations and bookings for transportation, lodging, travel experiences, and restaurants. Founded in 2000 by Stephen Kaufer, Langley Steinert, and others, Tripadvisor has grown to become one of the largest travel platforms in the world.

History

Tripadvisor headquarters in Needham, MA

Tripadvisor was founded in February 2000 by Stephen Kaufer, Langley Steinert, and several others. The company was initially focused on providing official information from guidebooks, newspapers, and magazines. However, the founders soon realized that user-generated content was more popular with their audience, leading to a shift in focus.

In 2004, Tripadvisor was acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp and later became part of Expedia Group when IAC spun off its travel businesses. In 2011, Tripadvisor was spun off from Expedia as a publicly traded company.

Business Model

Tripadvisor operates as a travel metasearch engine, allowing users to compare prices from various booking sites. The platform generates revenue through advertising and commissions from bookings made through its site. It also offers a subscription service for businesses, providing them with enhanced marketing tools and analytics.

Features

Tripadvisor's platform includes reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other travel-related businesses. Users can also book accommodations, flights, and experiences directly through the site. The platform's "Things to Do" section offers a wide range of activities and tours in various destinations.

Global Presence

Tripadvisor store at Toronto Airport

Tripadvisor operates in 49 markets worldwide and is available in 28 languages. The company has expanded its reach through acquisitions, including Viator, a tour and activity booking website, and TheFork, a restaurant reservation platform.

Community and Impact

Tripadvisor has a large and active community of users who contribute reviews, photos, and forum posts. The platform has been influential in shaping the travel industry, with many travelers relying on its reviews to make informed decisions. However, it has also faced criticism for issues related to fake reviews and the impact of negative reviews on businesses.

Events and Partnerships

Tripadvisor at Web Summit 2018

Tripadvisor participates in various industry events and has formed partnerships with other travel companies to enhance its offerings. The company has been involved in initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and support local communities.

Physical Locations

Tripadvisor store at Hong Kong Airport

In addition to its online presence, Tripadvisor has opened physical stores in airports, such as those in Toronto and Hong Kong, where travelers can get assistance and book travel services.

Related pages

• Expedia Group
• Viator
• TheFork
• IAC/InterActiveCorp