The Munich-based company TrustYou has acquired the California-based instant messaging service Checkmate. The company claims to be the world's largest guest feedback platform, which aggregates verified user reviews of hotels, accommodations, and restaurants and now plans to integrate real-time guest feedback during their stay into its feedback platform.
Whether it's a toaster, smartphone, travel, or restaurant, more and more people are comparing user reviews before spending money. This also increases the economic importance of online reviews. With the acquisition of Checkmate, the Munich-based company aims to enable an even more direct connection between providers and customers. Hotels can now contact guests in real time via SMS, email, and Facebook messages, both before arrival and on-site. Benjamin Jost, CEO and co-founder of TrustYou, explains:
"Checkmate offers an excellent real-time messaging product. This allows hotels to communicate directly with guests, which fits perfectly with TrustYou's guest feedback platform. With this addition, we are one step closer to providing the complete guest feedback cycle for the global hotel and travel industry."
Solve problems before guests give bad reviews
Another advantage for hoteliers: Real-time communication allows problems and complaints to be addressed before guests leave negative reviews.
Checkmate CEO and co-founder Drew Patterson says:
"Joining forces with TrustYou will help realize Checkmate's vision of personal, real-time interaction between guests and hotels. TrustYou's scale and visibility will help increase awareness and attract more hotels to its use. TrustYou's experience with guest feedback greatly strengthens our product. Together, we will shape the future of guest communication and feedback."
TrustYou was founded in 2008 by Benjamin Jost and Jakob Riegger and employs more than 120 people from 25 countries. The company analyzes millions of hotel reviews, guest questionnaires, and social media comments. The company's review data is used on many major search and travel websites, including Google Search and Google Maps, KAYAK, Skyscanner, and Hotels.com.
