TripAdvisor adds direct booking for independents

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

TripConnect will enable independent accommodation owners to bid for traffic, an option previously only available to online travel agents and large hotel chains.

These independent hotels and B&Bs will be able to add their own room rates and availability, allowing travellers to click directly through to the property’s own website to make a booking.

“We are delighted to bring to market a service that fills a need for the hoteliers in the industry” said Jean-Charles Lacoste, vice president of direct connect solutions at TripAdvisor.

“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.”

Designed with, and tested by hoteliers, TripConnect complements the recent launch of Hotel Price Comparison, which allows visitors to TripAdvisor sites to see real-time room rates and availability from various booking partners at the same time.