TripAdvisor integrates EatWith content into its site to power social dining experiences for its community of millions of travellers.
SAN FRANCISCO and NEEDHAM, MASS. – Social dining service EatWith and travel planning and booking site TripAdvisor announced that EatWith has raised a new round of funding led by TripAdvisor and with participation from Greylock Partners. The amount of funding will not be disclosed.
This latest investment will support EatWith’s global growth and expansion as the company continues its mission of connecting people around the world through unique dining experiences. The platform allows travellers to book a seat at the table of a host, typically a local chef who prepares a meal for the group in a private setting such as their own kitchen. EatWith spans more than 200 global cities, and offers access to more than 650 hosts across 50 countries.
“The investment funding we’ve received from TripAdvisor and Greylock Partners will be instrumental in driving even more interest in our popular communal dining experiences,” said Susan Kim, CEO of EatWith. “Our goal is to continue to democratise the industry by matching adventurous travellers with culinary entrepreneurs who want to share their passion for food.”
A growing number of consumers are using EatWith to book intimate dining experiences. The company has helped fill more than 80,000 seats since its founding.
“EatWith is a truly innovative service that helps travellers dine like a local, and we’re excited to help support their efforts through an investment that will also help us expand our leadership position in the restaurant category,” said Bertrand Jelensperger, global head of TripAdvisor restaurants and lafourchette CEO. “Breaking bread with someone in their own kitchen is such a powerful way to learn about a culture and make new friends that we’ve decided to integrate EatWith into our TripAdvisor Restaurants pages. Now our users will be able to book EatWith experiences in cities around the world.”
How TripAdvisor’s EatWith Integration Works
For years, TripAdvisor has allowed travellers to seamlessly book a wide range of travel experiences, from lodging and flights to restaurants and things to do. Now when travellers visit TripAdvisor’s restaurants pages they will be able to research meal sharing options under a new “Dine with a Local Chef” category and click through to EatWith to complete the booking.
The new social dining options on TripAdvisor will also feature candid traveller reviews and photos to help travellers rely on to help them shop for the right experience for their trip.
The EatWith integration is available immediately on the TripAdvisor desktop site in all countries where TripAdvisor operates, and will support 10 cities at launch. A rollout to TripAdvisor mobile and additional markets will follow.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
