Angry Holidaymakers react to Tripadvisor shutting down its private rental platform

The booking giant has announced it will no longer be accepting reservations with a check-out date beyond 31st October 2024 and will be cancelling and refunding all stays scheduled for 1st Nov 2024 onwards.

The announcement by the popular platform has created confusion and anger, both with property owners and guests and will mean that holidays will need to be rebooked, either on a different platform or directly with the property owners.

Many guests are understandably outraged, as although they will be getting their accommodation costs refunded, many will have booked flights and possibly transport independently and recovering those costs may be difficult.

The news comes after a difficult time of trading for the holiday company, citing that a difficult year with regulations and competing with alternative platforms has led to a strategic shift in focusing on hotel stays and excursions. It also states that the website took a hit due to changes to Googles search algorithms, resulting in a reduction of traffic. It also revealed an attempt to sell the company back in May, but no acceptable offer was received.

The decision also affects Tripadvisor owned platforms such as Holiday Lettings, House Trip, Flipkey and Niumba. Holiday Lettings alone had over 700,000 properties listed in more than 150 countries.

The company states it has notified all affected owners and guests.

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