TripAdvisor has launched a traveler network that allows its 20 million monthly visitors to tap into what it labels “their most valued resources” — their friends, to help them plan their travel.
The company also announced that it now features 10 million reviews and opinions, up from 5 million one year ago.
“With 6 million members, you’ll be amazed how many people you know are already on TripAdvisor and you’ll be even more surprised by all the places they’ve been and the knowledge they can share,” said Christine Petersen, senior vice president of marketing.
She added:
“Research has shown that consumers rely most on other consumers for travel advice, especially people they know best.”
“If you think about it,” said Stephen Kaufer, CEO of TripAdvisor, “wherever you are thinking of going on vacation … one of your friends probably has been there, recently. The trick to getting that great tip from a friend is knowing which friend to ask.”
Participants need to join TripAdvisor and create a travel map to show where they have been. They can then connect with others and share stories. Private messages help with the process.
Report by David Wilkening
