TripAdvisor to ‘badge' hotels with reports of discrimination and sexual assault

TripAdvisor has introduced a new "badge" to hotel listings which identifies properties that have suffered health and safety problems or allegations of discrimination and sexual assault.

 

The review site said that the aim was to alert travellers to issues they may want to research further before making a hotel choice.

 

The notification will be displayed on a business' listing page when issues are identified by "credible media sources" TripAdvisor said.

 

If TripAdvisor considers a hotel to have had issues with health and safety, discrimination or sexual assault as evidenced by coverage in the press it will feature a box on its page stating: "TripAdvisor has been made aware of recent media reports or events concerning this property which may not be reflected in reviews found on this listing.

 

"Accordingly, you may wish to perform additional research for information about this property when making your travel plans."

 

 

In a statement TripAdvisor said that the badges were likely to remain on a hotel's page for three months.

 

It said: "We will issue the badge any time we believe there is a current health, safety or discrimination issue relevant to travellers as reported on by either our traveller community or by news media.

 

"The badges will remain on TripAdvisor for up to three months; however, if the issues persist we may extend the duration of the badge. These badges are intended to be informative, not punitive."

 

TripAdvisor profiles of a number of hotels in Mexico already feature the new badge. It was introduced after the review site was accused of deleting posts made by a guest accusing a hotel security guard of rape at a Mexican resort as it violated the firm's family friendly policy.

 

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