Tripadvisor Acquires Another Dying Travel Startup: Oyster.com

Skift Take

Oyster began with grand ambitions and little understanding of how to create content without spending lots and lots of money. That content will now find a home at a brand that understands more sensible ways to do the same thing.

TripAdvisor has become the home of choice for failing travel startups, and now we have another almost dead startup ending up there. The reviews giant has acquired Oyster.com, a hotel review website site featuring expert reviews and photos covering about 150 cities. Oyster will continue to operate out of New York City and will be incorporated into Smarter Travel Media.

Terms were not disclosed, but it is likely pennies on the dollar, if not less. Not much is left of Oyster -- funded with more than $18 million by backers such as Bain and the Travel Channel -- after most of the staff got fired earlier this year and its assets were put up for sale. We first broke the story about Oyster putting itself up for sale in June this year.

More About TripAdvisor and Oyster

Rafat Ali

October 15th, 2013 at 4:34 AM EDT

Tags: oyster, reviews, tripadvisor

Photo Caption: The photos, part of the Oyster photo takeout series, contrasts Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana's pristine photo of its idyllic beach with a more realistic photo from Oyster.

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First read is on us.

Tripadvisor Acquires Another Dying Travel Startup: Oyster.com

Skift Take

More About TripAdvisor and Oyster

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First read is on us.
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First read is on us.

Tripadvisor Acquires Another Dying Travel Startup: Oyster.com

Skift Take

More About TripAdvisor and Oyster

Up Next

How Data Quality Issues Impact Global Hospitality Operations

Coldplay Effect? High Prices, Full Rooms at Mumbai Hotels

Emirates Bets on Cambodia as Chinese Travelers Stay Away

Skiing Is Obscenely Expensive. The Resort That Makes a $329 Lift Ticket Feel Worth It

Banks and Credit Card Companies Are Shaking Up Travel - 3 Key Takeaways

First read is on us.Subscribe to read more essential travel industry news.

First read is on us.
Subscribe to read more essential travel industry news.