TripAdvisor Reaches 5 Million Unique Monthly Visitors Through Mobile Devices

Just one short year ago, TripAdvisor was in the testing phases of its mobile website. Now, one year and several app launches later, TripAdvisor has more than five million unique monthly visitors accessing its travel advice and content through their mobile devices. This includes traffic to our mobile website, as well as our free apps for the iPhone, Android, Nokia, and Palm smartphones, and the iPad.

Although the TripAdvisor iPad app was the latest to launch in December, it has already reached #1 in free travel apps for the iPad in 50 countries. It also features a cool map-based browsing experience, so you can really get the lay of the land in a destination before you leave for your trip.

For more information about TripAdvisor's mobile offerings, check out tripadvisor.com/mobile. Be sure to try them out when planning and taking your next vacation!

Tunisia sees significant lift in TripAdvisor traffic

Confidence Restored Following Foreign Office Advice

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, today reveals that in the four days immediately following the Foreign Office’s travel advice change for Tunisia, the country saw a 19%* uplift in traffic compared to the four days before.

The Foreign Office lifted its warning against all non-essential travel to country last Friday 4^th February which has stimulated traveller interest in the region. This will come as welcome news to the Tunisian hospitality industry following a turbulent few months. Some tour operators, who have cancelled package holidays to Tunisia, are said to be reconsidering their stance with some flights expected to resume in early March.

“It is always important to check with the Foreign Office before travelling, but this is encouraging news for British travellers and tour operators, as well as the Tunisian travel industry,” comments Emma O’Boyle, TripAdvisor spokesperson.  “Tunisia is a popular holiday destination for Brits and UK visitors are clearly starting to consider Tunisia as a viable destination once again.”

*Data obtained by comparing Tunisia page views on www.TripAdvisor.co.uk from 30^th January-3^rd February 2011  against 4^th-8^th February 2011. Data identifies a 19% increase in share of page views on TripAdvisor.co.uk

For the full FCO travel advice on Tunisia see: ** http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/tunisia

Smoke-free Spain brings in the Brits

A new poll of over 3,000 travellers has revealed Spain could soon see a surge in British tourists. The country instituted a strict smoking ban on 2^nd January which caused nearly half* of Brits to say they are now more likely to consider Spain as a holiday destination this year.  The ban is one of the strictest in Europe and prohibits smoking in all bars and restaurants, in television broadcasts, in playgrounds and near hospitals.

The TripAdvisor poll revealed the smoking ban has made 33% of Brits “much more likely” to consider a holiday in Spain this year, while another 10% are “a little more likely”.  While many Brits welcome the change, a smoke-loving 15% are now “much less likely” to consider Spain this year.

This news, combined with the pound’s strength against the Euro, could be good news for Spain’s tourism industry.  “Spain, a traditional favourite for British travellers, has taken a hit in recent years due to the Euro’s climb against the pound. Now that the smoking ban has been so well received by Brits and the exchange rate is at its most favourable for years, Spain may see UK travellers visiting en masse again,” comments Emma O’Boyle, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

*Poll carried out on 3,201 TripAdvisor.co.uk users between 20^th and 27^th January 2011