Have you ever wondered why some tour operators shine on TripAdvisor with hundreds of glowing reviews while others struggle to get noticed? The answer is simple—they know how to ask.
TripAdvisor reviews are more than testimonials; they’re a tool for building trust, increasing visibility, and driving bookings. However, asking for online reviews requires the right approach.
This guide will teach you how to ask for more TripAdvisor reviews in a genuine, respectful, and highly effective way. By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to elevate your TripAdvisor presence and grow your business.
How to Craft the Perfect TripAdvisor Review Request
When asking for reviews, clarity and authenticity are essential. Use this proven framework:
#1 Express Gratitude
Starting with gratitude sets a positive tone and shows your appreciation for the customer’s support. It makes your request feel genuine and less transactional.
Examples:
- “We’re so grateful you chose to spend your vacation with us on our sunset cruise. Your presence made it extra special!”
- "Thank you for trusting us to guide you through today's breathtaking trails. It was such a pleasure to have you!"
By expressing thanks upfront, you immediately create a connection and open the door for a positive response.
#2 Make It Personal
Tailoring your request to include specific details about the customer’s experience shows that you value their unique journey. Personalization makes your message stand out and feels less like a generic request.
Examples:
- “We hope you had as much fun ziplining through the rainforest as we did! Wasn’t the view from the top just incredible?”
- “It was wonderful seeing your family bond over the guided snorkeling tour. The way everyone spotted the sea turtles together was truly unforgettable!”
By referencing standout moments, you remind customers of the highlights, making them more likely to relive and share their experience in a review.
#3 Be Clear About What You’re Asking For
Clarity is crucial. Customers are more likely to take action if they know exactly what to do and why it matters. Politely guide them toward writing a review and emphasize its impact.
Examples:
- “Your thoughts mean the world to us! Would you mind sharing your incredible tour experience on TripAdvisor? Your feedback helps future travelers make the best choices.”
- “We’d love to hear your story about today’s adventure! A quick review on TripAdvisor helps others discover the magic of our tours and plan their perfect getaway.”
By explaining how their review benefits both your business and other travelers, you encourage them to see it as a meaningful contribution.
Best Channels for Asking for TripAdvisor Reviews
In-Person Requests
Face-to-face interactions allow you to make a lasting impression, making your review request feel genuine and personal.
Train your staff to confidently and politely ask for reviews as part of their closing remarks. Provide tools like cards or flyers with QR codes that make it easy for customers to leave a review.
Examples:
- “We’re so glad you joined us today! If you enjoyed the experience, we’d love for you to share it on TripAdvisor. Here’s a card with a quick link to our review page.”
- “Thanks for coming along on today’s hike! If you’d like, you can scan this QR code to leave a review—it only takes a minute and helps us a lot!”
This approach creates a natural opportunity to engage with customers while their positive memories are fresh.
Email Follow-Ups
A follow-up email is a simple yet effective way to remind customers about leaving a review. Automation ensures your message reaches them at the perfect time—24 to 48 hours after their tour.
Examples:
- “Hi [Name], thank you for joining us on [Tour Name]! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience on TripAdvisor—it only takes a few minutes and helps us improve!”
- “Your adventure doesn’t stop here! Tell us about your journey on TripAdvisor, and inspire others to explore just like you did.”
Including direct links to your review page makes the process seamless for the customer.
Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are perfect for engaging with your audience and encouraging quality reviews.
Post photos to spark interest and include links to your TripAdvisor profile in your posts.
Examples:
- “That’s a wrap on another amazing day of adventures! If you joined us, we’d love for you to share your experience on TripAdvisor. Click the link in our bio to leave a review!”
- “Did you capture the perfect sunset with us yesterday? Share your story on TripAdvisor and help other travelers discover the magic of [Tour Name].”
By combining visuals with a call-to-action, you make the review request more appealing and shareable.
Booking Confirmations
Your booking confirmation emails are another great opportunity to plant the seed for reviews.
Including a note about leaving a review sets the expectation early, so customers are primed to share their feedback after their tour.
Examples:
- “We can’t wait to welcome you on [Tour Name]! After your trip, we’d love to hear your feedback—click the link in this email to leave a review on TripAdvisor.”
- “Your adventure starts here! Don’t forget to share your experience with us on TripAdvisor after your tour. We’d love to hear from you!”
This strategy keeps your TripAdvisor page top of mind from the beginning of the customer journey.
When Is the Best Time to Ask for TripAdvisor Reviews?
Timing your request is critical to success. Here are the most compelling moments to ask for tour reviews:
Right After the Tour
Catch your customers when their excitement is fresh, and their experience is at the top of their minds. A simple in-person request can work wonders.
In Follow-Up Communications
Sending an email or text 24-48 hours after the tour is a great way to remind them without being pushy.
During the Tour (If Appropriate)
For longer experiences, like multi-day tours, consider asking for feedback midway through when your guests are most engaged.
Make it Easy to Ask for TripAdvisor Reviews with TicketingHub's Review Funnel
Managing and asking for reviews can be time-consuming, but the TicketingHub online booking system simplifies the process:
- Automate Review Requests: Send review request emails or SMS messages after tours, automatically linking customers to your TripAdvisor reviews (also works with Google reviews).
- Filter Reviews Before They Go Live: Directly address negative feedback privately before it goes public, protecting your online reputation.
- Manage Website + TripAdvisor Bookings in One: Integrate your TripAdvisor account with TicketingHub for a seamless review process alongside other booking tools.
Know more about the customer review funnel with a free TicketingHub demo!
Why TripAdvisor Reviews Matter for Your Tour Business
Boosts Your Visibility
TripAdvisor ranks businesses higher in search results when they have frequent and positive reviews.
More reviews = more visibility = more bookings.
Discover how to get better listing rankings with these TripAdvisor Listing Do's and Dont's.
Builds Credibility
Travelers trust TripAdvisor reviews. 88% of them say reviews influence their booking decisions.
Each honest review is a vote of confidence from past customers to future ones.
Creates a Competitive Edge
Positive reviews help you stand out in a crowded market. They showcase the value of your tours and give hesitant customers the nudge they need to book.
How to Motivate Customers Without Offering Incentives
TripAdvisor prohibits incentivized reviews, so you’ll need creative ways to encourage genuine feedback:
- Emphasize Their Impact: Let customers know their reviews help other travelers make informed decisions.
- Show Gratitude Publicly: Thank reviewers in person or by responding to their feedback on TripAdvisor.
- Showcase Reviews: Highlight positive reviews on your website or social media to inspire others to leave their own.
- Streamline the Review Process: Customers are less likely to follow through if leaving a review feels complicated. Simplify the process by using direct links. Make your site mobile-friendly. You can also use TripAdvisor’s Review Express Tool or TicketingHub's automated customer review funnel.
How to Handle Negative Reviews Gracefully
Negative reviews are inevitable, but how you handle them can strengthen your reputation:
- Respond Promptly: Address concerns quickly and professionally. Acknowledge their experience and express your willingness to make things right.
- Learn from Feedback: Use constructive criticism to improve your services and prevent similar issues.
- Take the Conversation Offline/Private: Provide contact information to resolve the issue privately.
TIP: If you use TicketingHub, our customer review funnel tool automates this for you. Once a customer leaves you with a 3-star rating or below, their review is automatically sent to your TicketingHub inbox. This way, you protect your online reputation while communicating well with guests.
Explore our guide on "Responding to Negative Customer Reviews"
Conclusion
Asking guests to write reviews on TripAdvisor doesn’t have to feel daunting. With the right timing, thoughtful wording, and simple tools, you can turn happy customers into enthusiastic advocates for your business.
Start with small, actionable steps—train your team, send automated follow-ups, and make the process easy for your guests. Soon, you’ll see the positive impact of glowing reviews on your bookings and brand reputation.
Take Action Today: Ready to collect reviews effortlessly? Schedule a demo with TicketingHub to learn more about the customer review funnel and how it can help your tour business soar!
