TripAdvisor Subscription Program to Boost Hotel Occupancy?

TripAdvisor just came up with a subscription plan that could potentially help hotels get more guests. The pandemic was rough for the tourism industry. In 2020, the hotel industry’s occupancy rate was just around 44%. According to 2020’s numbers, the hotel industry lost more than $46 billion in revenue. Some are even experiencing below 20% occupancy. And since 2021 numbers are far from the pre-pandemic level, could TripAdvisor’s subscription bring much-needed guests to hotels?

TripAdvisor Plus

TripAdvisor launched its subscription plan called TripAdvisor Plus. For $99 annually, members get to enjoy discounts and other perks when they book a hotel. This could be in a form of in-room benefits such as a complimentary bottle of wine or even a specialized service offered for free.

Travelers are not the only ones who can benefit from this subscription-based plan. This could potentially invite more guests to hotels. Based on TripAdvisor’s numbers, they are getting around 400 million visitors on their website a month. Hotels can take advantage of the fact that they can join the program for free. No upfront costs, commissions, and hotels can choose to opt-in and out as they choose.

This could promote hotels without additional cost on the part of hotel management. Aside from hotels, local economies can also benefit from this subscription plan. It is often the case that hotels also bring business to nearby restaurants and establishments.

TripAdvisor’s subscription plan was launched in late 2020 but will soon become available for a wider audience.

Travel Resumes in 2023

Though vaccine rollout began in different parts of the globe, most travelers are still in no position to travel. Leisure travel is currently banned in most parts of the world. In the US, the CDC even discouraged people from traveling. Travel restrictions are in place to stop the spread of new COVID19 variants. On top of this, industry experts are suggesting that travel won’t be back until 2023.