Expedia owned TripAdvisor has reported a busy February by announcing it had acquired both travel search company Smarter Travel Media and airline information service SeatGuru.com for an undisclosed fee. The purchase was announced by TripAdvisor spokesman Brian Payea.
Smarter Travel Media has 50 employees, based in Boston. Smarter Travel Media operates several web sites, including SmarterTravel.com, Booking Buddy and MyBusinessTravel.com, offering travel guides, news and advice, amongst other content. Payea says the acquisition of Smarter Travel Media gives TripAdvisor new capabilities in offering travel search functions, expert advice and deals.
It has been reported that no major operational changes have taken place at either TripAdvisor or Smarter Travel Media as there has been no integration between the two companies. There is also no integration with SeatGuru.com, which together with MyBusinessTravel.com, will give Expedia and TripAdvisor an opening to pursue the frequent flyer and unmanaged business travel niche.
Experts suggest Expedia’s brand is likely to invigorate Smarter Travel Media, giving it more power to compete against other travel search engines.
