Tripadvisor is an American company that operates online travel agencies, comparison shopping websites, and mobile apps with user-generated content.[1]
Its namesake brand, Tripadvisor.com, operates in 40 countries and 20 languages, and features approximately 1 billion reviews and opinions on roughly 8 million establishments.[1] The company's other brands include Bokun.io, Cruise Critic, FlipKey, TheFork, Holiday Lettings, Housetrip, Jetsetter, Singleplatform, Niumba, SeatGuru, and Viator.[1] The company is headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts.[2]
In 2023, Tripadvisor earned 25 percent of its revenues from Expedia Group and Booking Holdings and their subsidiaries, primarily for pay-per-click advertising.[1]
History
2000-2009
Tripadvisor LLC was founded by Stephen Kaufer, Langley Steinert, Nick Shanny, and Thomas Palka in February 2000.[5][6] Kaufer came up with the idea of such a company after being frustrated with planning a family vacation.[7][8]
In September 2000, before the website was launched, the company obtained $2 million in seed money financing from Flagship Ventures, the Bollard Group, and private investors.[9][10]
Controversies
Criticism of the review system
Tripadvisor has been the subject of controversy for allowing unsubstantiated anonymous reviews to be posted about any hotel, bed and breakfast, inn, or restaurant.[90]
In May 2021, Tripadvisor was criticized for allowing an offensive review to be posted about the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in which a visitor described bringing a baby to the gas chambers. Tripadvisor initially stated the review complied with submission guidelines, but later removed it following backlash on social media.[91][92][93]
Fake reviews
Awards
In 2019, Tripadvisor was named America's Best Midsize Employer by Forbes.[136]
See also
- Holiday cottage
- Vacation rental
External links
References
- TripAdvisor Inc. 2023 Form 10-K Annual Report U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, February 16, 2024, retrieved February 17, 2024^
- Mass. travel agency Tripadvisor announces intent to sell WCVB, 2024-02-14, retrieved 2026-01-14^
- Rashaad Jorden. Tripadvisor Is Turning 25. Here’s What Its CEO Says About Its Future