TripAdvisor on the red carpet: Kudos from the UK

For the fourth year in a row, TripAdvisor is beaming with pride at having been named the “Best Travel Information/Review Website 2011” at the British Travel Awards. TripAdvisor was also honoured at the awards for “Best Travel and Tourism Smartphone App 2011.”

Thank you to all who voted and made this another winning year for us!

Our mobile app also got further praise recently at the 2011 Effective Mobile Marketing Awards in London, where it was named “Most Effective Mobile Travel and Tourism Solution.”

Finally, the UK’s Telegraph has named TripAdvisor “Favourite Travel Website 2011.”

We are humbled!

Shouting it from the rooftops: hoteliers worldwide celebrate Certificates of Excellence

“This is outstanding; we are absolutely thrilled!”

Mandy Farmer, President and CEO of Accent Inns in British Columbia, is celebrating. Like other owners of top-rated properties worldwide, her hotels have received a well-deserved TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

From Mombasa to Memphis, properties are enthusiastically spreading the news of this recognition through press releases, expressions of thanks to their guests, and in the case of Mandy Farmer, a YouTube video marking the occasion.

Who are the best tippers?

TripAdvisor ran a recent survey in the UK, France, Italy and Spain, asking travellers what they knew about tipping etiquette abroad. The British came out as the worst with 60% saying they had no idea what they were supposed to tip in foreign countries, compared to the European average of 45%.

We also asked them what type of service motivated them to tip. For UK participants it was helpfulness of service, for the French and the Spanish it was friendliness of service and for the Italians it was politeness of service.

So, having heard from the consumers we thought we’d ask you!

Is love in the air at your hotel?

Is Valentine’s Day a big promotional opportunity for you? With February 14th fast approaching we thought we’d ask what sort of offers you are running this year to entice lovers through your doors.