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How to Earn a TripAdvisor Award and Improve Your Ranking

Tobias Roelen-Blasberg
Tobias Roelen-Blasberg
Co-Founder & Head of Product
Learn how to earn a TripAdvisor Award and improve your ranking on the platform. Discover the importance of Travelers' Choice Awards and Certificates of Excellence.
How to Earn a TripAdvisor Award and Improve Your Ranking
TABLE OF CONTENTS

When it comes to travel and accommodation, Tripadvisor has become the go-to platform for travelers worldwide. In the ever-expanding digital age, it's hard to underestimate the influence Tripadvisor wields. In fact, according to Tripadvisor's TripBarometer 2014 Global Report, it's not just a source of inspiration; it's also highly influential across many countries. So, if you're in the hospitality industry, you're probably wondering how to get a TripAdvisor award to make your property stand out.

We're here to share some tips on how you can boost your chances on winning the Tripadvisor award. Whether you're running a hotel, inn, or any other accommodation, this guide will help you navigate the path to Tripadvisor success.

What are the Tripadvisor awards?

Tripadvisor awards are more than just digital badges. They're a stamp of approval from travelers worldwide. Earning an award can significantly boost your property's visibility and, ultimately, your bookings. Let's dive into the two main types of awards you can earn:

  • Traveler’s Choice Awards: Best of the Best
  • Certificate of Excellence

What is a Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award?

Established in 2002, the Travelers' Choice awards are the highest accolades that Tripadvisor bestows upon properties. These awards are unique because they're based on millions of reviews and opinions from travelers across the globe. They reflect the "best of the best" in terms of service, quality, and customer satisfaction.

badge tripadvisor best of the best 2023
Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best 2023 badge. Source: Tripadvisor

The Travelers' Choice awards are given across various categories, from hotels and accommodations to destinations, attractions, brands, and products. In fact, over 7,000 properties received recognition this year. While that might sound like a lot, it's just a tiny fraction (0.94%) of all accommodations listed on Tripadvisor.

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How to get a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award?

To qualify for a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award, your business must meet specific criteria. These criteria typically include:

  • Listing Duration: Your property, business, destination, or point of interest must have been listed on Tripadvisor for at least 12 months.
  • Minimum Rating: Maintain a minimum bubble rating equivalent to "Very Good" or "Excellent" (typically, 4 out of 5 stars).
  • Review Quantity: While the exact number of reviews required is unspecified, ensure that you receive a substantial number of reviews within the evaluation period to increase your chances of consideration.
  • "Best of the Best" Sub-Categories: If you aim for specific "Best of the Best" award sub-categories, additional eligibility criteria may apply, depending on the guest experiences or amenities featured on-site.
  • Content Compliance: Maintain a strong commitment to safety and animal welfare and avoid discriminatory behavior.
screenshot j.k. place roma tripadvisor travelers choice
A hotel listing with a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best badge.

What is a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence?

The Certificate of Excellence is another prestigious award, but it's focused on consistently outstanding reviews. It's given to the top 10 percent of accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and vacation rentals listed on Tripadvisor.

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, your business must meet the following criteria:

  • Maintain an overall Tripadvisor rating of at least four out of five.
  • Have a minimum number of total reviews.
  • Be listed on Tripadvisor for at least twelve months.

Tripadvisor also considers your property's popularity ranking for both the Travelers' Choice and Certificate of Excellence awards. The better your ratings and the more recent reviews you receive, the higher your property's ranking can go.

raiding the rock vault tripadvisor certificate of excellence
An event place taking pride on their Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence. Source: Dpjason

How do you rank 1 on Tripadvisor?

Achieving the top ranking on Tripadvisor requires a proactive approach to managing your listing. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, with professionalism and a commitment to improving your services. Consistently update your listing with high-quality images and detailed information, and aim to maintain a high average rating through exceptional customer experiences.

What do the badges on Tripadvisor mean?

Badges on Tripadvisor are indicators of specific achievements or designations. These can include "Travelers' Choice," "Certificate of Excellence," and "GreenLeaders," among others. These badges help travelers identify and choose businesses that have received recognition for their quality and commitment to sustainability.

What do the stars mean on Tripadvisor?

Stars on Tripadvisor represent the overall rating given by travelers based on their experiences. A higher star rating typically indicates better quality and satisfaction. Businesses aim to achieve and maintain a high star rating, as it can positively impact their visibility and credibility on the platform.

How do you get awards on Tripadvisor?

So, now that you know why these awards matter, how can you improve your odds of earning one? Let's explore some strategies to set your property apart from the crowd.

1. Respond to all your reviews

Regardless of whether they're positive or negative, it's crucial to respond to each and every review left by your guests. This shows not only that you value their feedback, but it also demonstrates your commitment to providing excellent service. Make sure your responses are personalized — avoid simply copying and pasting the same message for each review.

screenshot of La Cuisine Paris responding to a customer review
A top-rated Tripadvisor listing responding to a review. Source: Vacation Labs

Additionally, responding to all your online reviews increases your overall rating and visibility on search engines. Moreover, the way you handle negative reviews can turn a negative experience into a positive one, showing potential guests that you regard their satisfaction as a priority. To learn more, read our article How to Respond to Tripadvisor Reviews in Seconds.

Consequently, you can leverage numerous review management tools like an AI reply assistant to help you write the best responses to Tripadvisor reviews. These AI solutions are specially made to write optimized replies that will not just help you rank on leading review platforms such as Tripadvisor but also build a strong connection with your guests.

2. Join the GreenLeaders Program

Another way to distinguish your property is by becoming a part of the GreenLeaders program. This program adds a special badge to your hotel's listing, highlighting your commitment to eco-friendly practices.

sample of a listing with Tripadvisor Green Leaders badge
Tripadvisor Green Leaders badge. Source: Tripadvisor

3. Leverage Tripadvisor badges on your website

Tripadvisor offers badges for businesses that have received a minimum number of excellent reviews. For instance, the Bravo! badge is available for businesses that consistently receive high praise. Incorporating these badges on your website can build trust with potential guests. To learn how you can use these badges to attract more guests, read Boost Your Search Rankings: Tips to Optimize Your Tripadvisor Listing

screenshot st regis hotel article tripadvisor badge
The St. Regis Hotel’s article on their Tripadvisor win. Source: The St. Regis Hotel

4. Stay informed

To stay ahead of the curve on Tripadvisor, keep yourself informed about what's trending. Review response metrics and hospitality reputation trends can provide valuable insights. Don't forget to check out Tripadvisor's reports for even more data on how you can optimize your profile.

screenshot pdf tripadvisor report power of reviews
Sample of a Tripadvisor report on the effect of reviews to travelers. Source: Tripadvisor

Boost Your Review Management with MARA AI Review Reply Assistant

One strategy that can significantly improve your response rate and quality to reviews is the utilization of AI technology. Specifically, MARA AI Review Reply Assistant. This innovative tool crafts personalized responses to customer reviews in just seconds. All you have to do is hit "generate reply", and you're presented with a highly personalized response proposal.

One of the striking benefits of MARA is the substantial time saving aspect. By generating personalized responses, it cuts down the effort needed for manual replies, which can save you countless hours each month. This is a cost-effective approach as well, providing significant cost savings in the long run.

screenshot tripadvisor review MARA AI response
How MARA writes optimized responses to Tripadvisor reviews.

MARA also ensures consistency in your responses, maintaining a professional tone and messaging, hence enhancing your reputation management. Plus, it's multilingual, making it perfect for businesses with an international clientele.

Looking to give MARA a try? Test it for free, and you'll see how it can revolutionize your Tripadvisor review management. By integrating MARA into your review management strategy, you'll not only improve the quality of your responses but also enhance the overall guest experience, increasing your chances of bagging that coveted Tripadvisor award.

Final Thought

In the competitive landscape of Tripadvisor, earning prestigious awards is not a matter of luck but a strategic pursuit. These awards are more than just badges; they signify excellence and can significantly enhance your property's visibility and bookings. Staying informed about industry trends and harnessing the power of AI technology, like the MARA AI Review Reply Assistant, can further enhance your online presence. In the world of Tripadvisor awards, success is an intentional journey guided by dedication and a commitment to excellence, ensuring your property shines as one of the best on the platform.

This article is part of our hero content on “Mastering Tripadvisor: The Complete Guide to Improving Your Business’s Online Reputation".

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Tripadvisor awards really that important?

Absolutely. These awards are like digital gold stars for your property. They boost your visibility and reputation, making travelers more likely to choose your accommodation.

How can I improve my Tripadvisor rating?

Maintain the quality of your services, encourage guests to leave reviews, and respond to those reviews. Proactive management is key.

Can small businesses win these awards, or is it just for big hotels?

Small businesses can definitely win Tripadvisor awards. The Certificate of Excellence, for example, is open to all types of accommodations.

What's the role of Revinate in this process?

Revinate's Post-Stay Surveys can help you generate more reviews and improve your Tripadvisor ranking, as seen with the Morningstar Express Hotel example.

How often do these awards get updated?

Tripadvisor awards are updated annually, so you have a chance to earn them each year.

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