13 February 2014
Warning against fake TripAdvisor reviews
New Zealand tourism operators are being warned against a service offering to provide fake reviews to improve their
TripAdvisor profiles.
A number of tourism businesses around the country have received an email this week offering as many as 20 false reviews
for $297. It is unclear whether the email originates from New Zealand or elsewhere.
Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) CEO Martin Snedden is strongly advising operators against purchasing fake
reviews.
“TIA has reported the email to both NetSafe and TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor has said it will investigate the email,” Mr
Snedden says.
“TripAdvisor is an important source of information for travellers in New Zealand and it’s vital that users are able to
trust its reviews. We encourage TIA members to provide such excellent service and experiences that visitors will want to
post great reviews about them.”
Travellers also need to be aware that TripAdvisor reviews are open to abuse, Mr Snedden says.
“We suggest they should check a range of reviews and websites, as well as seeking advice from the likes of i-SITE
visitor information centres.”
ENDS