Worldwide: Three hotel groups have become the first to connect their accommodation portfolios to Tripadvisor Plus, a subscription service offering members-only rates and VIP perks.
Barceló Hotels, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, and Pestana Hotel Group have a combined portfolio of close to 500 properties. As Tripadvisor Plus members, select hotels within these three groups will offer special room rates and guest perks such as welcome gifts, dining and spa credits, and late check out.
The announcement marks a major milestone in the roll out of Tripadvisor Plus, which first launched to the US market on 16 June.
Kanika Soni, chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor, said: “Tripadvisor Plus is so attractive not just for the savings it offers savvy travellers, but also for the VIP perks that can help elevate their travel experience. That is exactly what these three partners will deliver, and we’re excited about the wide range of accommodations that will be available to our members. Our partners clearly see the potential of Tripadvisor Plus to help reduce the burden of high online distribution costs. And with travel rebounding in the US, today’s news shows the momentum we are building with the program.”
As part of the membership, hotels will not be charged commission fees per booking. Instead, revenue will be generated from travellers via annual subscription fees.
Participating properties will also receive enhanced visibility on the Tripadvisor website through special badging. Hotels will receive full access to the customer information from each reservation.
Lluís Massanet, global digital business deputy director, Barceló Hotel Group, said: “Our long-standing collaboration with Tripadvisor means that we are always ready to take advantage of all the new distribution opportunities that it offers us, being able to reduce our direct distribution costs and increase the visibility of our direct channels. I believe that Tripadvisor Plus is a product that perfectly complements our strategy and on which we have high expectations.”
Saurabh Prakash, group vice president of digital marketing, revenue management, loyalty and distribution, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, said: “We are delighted to partner with Tripadvisor to provide Millennium curated value-add experiences to the Tripadvisor Plus members globally across Millennium Hotels and Resorts. We look forward to welcoming Tripadvisor Plus members to our unique portfolio of hotels placed in the best locations around the world.”
Further information about joining Tripadvisor Plus can be found here.
Tripadvisor provides travellers deals on accommodation, experiences, restaurants and more. It is available in 43 markets and 22 languages via its website or app.
