Bokun customers will get a better placement in TripAdvisor listings for tours and activities, the company has admitted for the first time.
The reservation system and tech provider for the sector was bought by TripAdvisor earlier this year for an undisclosed fee - coming the same week as Booking Holdings bought rival platform FareHarbor.
The two deals have ignited debate across the burgeoning tours and activities sector, with issues such as commissions, marketing and distribution in sharp focus as two of the industry's major players signal their intentions to shift into service provision as well as consumer bookings.
The admission by the president of TripAdvisor Experiences, Dermot Halpin, during the Arival Event this week confirms what many suppliers in the sector have feared: major consumer brands are eager to hold tour operators by both their distribution and technology strategies.
Halpin also conceded that the company's recent changes to its listing algorithm (sending some products either up or down from their original placement on TripAdvisor) could have been communicated better to suppliers.
Still TripAdvisor says its intentions are good, with a wider strategy to bring as many of the globe's suppliers into the digital fold as possible.
Ben Drew, vice president of business development for TripAdvisor Experiences, spoke to PhocusWire during the event.
PhocusWire @ Arival 2018 - TripAdvisor on what the Bokun acquisition means