Tripadvisor signs up three hotel partners to new Plus subscription service

Barceló, Millennium Hotels and Pestana Hotels bring 500 properties to the membership scheme

Tripadvisor has signed up three major hospitality groups to its new subscription service offering members exclusive savings and VIP perks.

Tripadvisor Plus launched in the US on June 16 offering special room rates and offers on dining, spa credits, late check-out and welcome gifts.

Today the travel reviews platform has announced Barceló, Millennium Hotels and Pestana Hotels have joined the scheme.

The three global hotel groups have a combined portfolio of almost 500 properties and are among the first to support Tripadvisor Plus.

They are the first hotel chains to directly connect to Tripadvisor Plus at the corporate group level, meaning accommodations within their portfolios will be automatically enrolled into the program.

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.”

Under the Tripadvisor Plus model hotels are not charged commission so they can use the money saved to offer enhanced guest experience and preferential rates.

Participating properties receive enhanced visibility on Tripadvisor to attract Plus members, and get full access to all the customer information from each reservation.

Lluís Massanet, global digital business deputy director at 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.”