Trivago

Leading global hotel metasearch platform operating as part of Expedia Group

Trivago is a hotel metasearch engine that operates as a subsidiary of Expedia Group. Founded in Düsseldorf, Germany, the platform aggregates hotel pricing and availability data from hundreds of booking sites, allowing travelers to compare rates and find the best deals. The company operates a performance-based advertising model where it generates revenue primarily through referral fees when users click through to booking sites. Trivago's business model positions it uniquely in the travel advertising ecosystem, functioning as both a consumer-facing search platform and an advertising channel for online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel chains. Trivago operates localized versions of its platform in more than 190 countries and 33 languages, making it one of the world's largest hotel search platforms. The company went public on NASDAQ in 2016 but was taken private by Expedia Group in 2022 after Expedia increased its ownership stake. Today, Trivago continues to operate as a distinct brand within the Expedia portfolio, maintaining its independent platform while benefiting from Expedia's broader travel ecosystem. The platform serves as a significant advertising channel in the travel vertical, connecting advertisers (hotels and booking sites) with high-intent travelers through its metasearch technology.