Skift Take
Adding channel managers to bypass global distribution systems Amadeus and Sabre isn't a super-duper game-changer for Tripadvisor Plus, but less friction and lower fees can lead to greater traction.
Despite the fact that Tripadvisor's new subscription service charges no commissions to participating hotels, it was never going to be something that came at zero distribution costs. But now Tripadvisor is finding a way for independent hotels to connect to Tripadvisor Plus without being tagged with booking fees from global distribution systems, hence reducing the cost.
Tripadvisor will announce Tuesday that it was opening a connection, or application programing interface, for hotels to connect through their existing channel managers or booking engines to Tripadvisor Plus.
Many hotels that want to participate in Tripadvisor Plus currently tie into the program through global distribution systems Sabre or Amadeus, which typically charge hotels several dollars per booking. To avoid that booking fee, independent hotels that currently use channel managers, which enab
