Tripadvisor has launched the first of several initiatives to provide immediate economic support to our local communities, enabling diners and travellers to assist in the long term recovery of travel and hospitality businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There are five million hospitality businesses on Tripadvisor that need help. Gift card purchases, in particular, serve as much needed microloans to help operators pay their rent, continue to pay employees and fund benefits like healthcare, as well as fund other critical expenses. Tripadvisor is making it easier to purchase gift cards and identity restaurants that are still open for takeout and delivery.

Tripadvisor is also calling on members to write reviews and create guides that highlight favourite restaurants, bars and cafes. These small gestures of support make a meaningful business impact. The rank of a business on Tripadvisor is based on the quantity, quality and recency of reviews, with a recent Cornell Study finding that as the number of reviews increase, the ratings in these reviews tend to be more positive.

The Tripadvisor Foundation is committing USD1 million to support organisations serving the most vulnerable populations around the world in response to COVID-19. Initially, within the hospitality sector, the Foundation will contribute USD 1 (up to USD 150,000) for each Tripadvisor review posted or shares of the #LoveYourLocal hashtag on public Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts. Proceeds will go to two organisations helping impacted restaurant and front line workers: World Central Kitchen and The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation.