Tripadvisor is looking to open up its new subscription platform after agreeing a handful of new connectivity partnerships with hotel technology providers.
Previously, individual hotels were only able to connect to Tripadvisor Plus via select global distribution system (GDS) providers. Now, hotels using technology provided by SiteMinder, Roiback, WebHotelier and DerbySoft are able to participate in Tripadvisor Plus as well. Additional connectivity partnerships are expected later in the year.
"Since we launched Tripadvisor Plus earlier this year, we've heard from hoteliers who were very eager to join the program but weren't able to do so easily based on the connectivity solutions we had in place while the program was in beta. Working directly with some of the biggest connectivity partners in the world will fix that for thousands of hotels," said Daniel Mitchell, vice president, Tripadvisor Plus supply.
The news follows the news that three hotel groups - Barceló Hotel Group, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Pestana Hotel Group - have become the first hotel chains to connect their portfolios directly to Tripadvisor Plus at the corporate group level. Over the coming weeks, select properties from each of the three chains will be automatically enrolled into the program, enabling Tripadvisor Plus members to book stays there at special room rates and with access to additional complimentary guest perks such as welcome gifts, dining and spa credits and late check-out.