TripAdvisor (also including Tripconnect,
FlipKey, Viatoro) offers booking for
flights,
hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and things to do. It is the most
experience-driven
travel site; guests are not just booking somewhere to stay — they're signing up to
experience and explore a destination.
The site is well-known for its user-generated reviews, and many users are attracted
to the
site for the extensive reviews available - from accommodation to restaurants and
attractions, all in one place. The sheer number of users of the TripAdvisor sites is
enormous, dwarfing any other OTA significantly.
Unlike most other OTA's, reviewers on TripAdvisor do not have to have actually stayed at a
place to review it.
TripAdvisor supports both instant book and booking requests, which gives hosts some control
over who they accept. Furthermore, in the event of damage, owners and guests can try to
reach a resolution. If not, TripAdvisor will step in and review the evidence. If they side
with the host, they can enforce a payment.
The low host fee of 3% commission is on par with Airbnb.
Advantages and disadvantages of TripAdvisor
Pros
- Full range of accommodations, attractions and activities
- Low host commission of 3%
- Supports both instant book and booking requests, which gives a bit more control than Booking.com.
- Payouts 24hrs after guests check in.
- Positive guest experiences generate positive reviews and ratings to an enormous audience.
Cons
- High guest booking fees of 8-16% could translate into fewer bookings.
- Negative guest experiences - often by people who never actually stayed there or were accidentally reviewing the wrong place - can result in poor publicity through negative reviews and ratings.
How to list on TripAdvisor
To list your accommodation or service, go to https://rentals.tripadvisor.com/register. For step-by-step instructions see: How to create a listing on TripAdvisor
Summary
- TripAdvisor offers booking for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and things to do.
- The site is well-known for its user-generated reviews.
- Any business aimed at attracting tourists, from accommodation to activities, can benefit from listing on TripAdvisor.