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TripAdvisor LLC, the world’s largest travel community and an operating company of Expedia, Inc., announced it has acquired VirtualTourist.com, Inc., a leader in user-generated travel content since 1999, and OneTime.com, Inc., a leader in travel booking comparison. Including VirtualTourist and OneTime, the TripAdvisor Media Network now attracts nearly 32 million unique monthly visitors.*
"VirtualTourist pioneered the concept of an online travel community, and with the help of over a million enthusiastic members, has created a fantastic travel site," said Steve Kaufer, founder and CEO of TripAdvisor. "I’m thrilled to have such great companies join our media network, and I look forward to working with the teams to help grow the sites and the community."
"With the addition of VirtualTourist and OneTime, TripAdvisor Media Network is now the undisputed leader in the travel media space and we are excited to be a part of it. By combining efforts we hope to accelerate growth and provide our members and users with an even better online experience," said J.R. Johnson, founder and chairman of VirtualTourist and OneTime. "We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built and how we’ve been able to serve travelers for nearly a decade. Now, with this new partnership, we can look forward to serving our travelers even better and ensuring ever greater success long into the future."
VirtualTourist and OneTime, both based in Manhattan Beach, Calif., generate revenue through online advertising and both operate profitably. Specific terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. There are no plans for integration of the businesses or the Web domains.
VirtualTourist General Manager Giampiero Ambrosi and OneTime General Manager Dena Yahya will continue to run the businesses, respectively, reporting to Steve Kaufer. The employees of VirtualTourist and OneTime will remain based in Manhattan Beach.
*Source: comScore Media Metrix, May 2008
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
