No, Tripadvisor is not currently owned by Expedia. While there was a period when Tripadvisor operated under the Expedia umbrella, it has since become an independent entity.
A Brief History of Tripadvisor's Ownership
Tripadvisor's corporate journey involves several key stages of ownership that highlight its evolution:
- Founding: The original Tripadvisor business was established in February 2000, quickly growing as a pioneer in online travel reviews.
- Acquisition by IAC/InterActiveCorp: In April 2004, Tripadvisor was acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp, a leading internet company known for its diverse portfolio of online brands.
- Integration with Expedia, Inc.: A significant structural change occurred in August 2005. IAC/InterActiveCorp undertook a strategic maneuver, spinning out its extensive collection of travel brands, which notably included Tripadvisor, into a newly formed, separate company named Expedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation. This placed Tripadvisor directly under the corporate structure of Expedia for a distinct period.
Current Independence
Despite its historical connection where it was part of the Expedia corporate family, Tripadvisor has since evolved and emerged as an independent publicly traded company. It operates autonomously, focusing on its mission to provide comprehensive travel guidance and insights, powered by millions of reviews and opinions from a global community of travelers. This current independent status allows Tripadvisor to pursue its own strategic growth, innovation, and partnerships within the dynamic global travel market.
