In a significant shift in the travel and hospitality industry, Travly has launched a cutting-edge, social-first discovery and hotel booking platform designed to cater to the growing number of travelers who rely on short-form video content for trip ideas. This innovative platform offers a unique opportunity for creators to earn a 5% commission on hotel bookings generated through their video submissions, transforming how travel accommodations are discovered and booked.
Reimagining Travel Discovery
Travly was co-founded by travel enthusiasts Zak Longo (CEO) and Mayur Patil (COO), who envisioned a platform that would combine their passion for travel with the dynamic nature of social media. Initially starting as a travel network on Instagram and TikTok, the duo quickly recognized the power of user-generated content in shaping travel decisions. Their keen understanding of the evolving digital landscape led them to create Travly, a platform that capitalizes on the authenticity of user experiences shared through video content.
In the summer of 2022, Longo and Patil achieved a major milestone by acquiring the highly coveted @Travel handle. This acquisition allowed them to build a robust social community with millions of followers across major platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Today, their network spans 45 channels, including popular handles such as @Cruises, @Hotels, @Resorts, and @Vacation. Collectively, these pages generate over 1 billion monthly views, illustrating the significant influence and reach of Travly’s social media presence.
Empowering Creators and Revolutionizing Travel Booking
Travly’s core offering lies in its video-based hotel booking platform, which integrates seamlessly with Booking.com to provide a comprehensive search capability. The platform features millions of hotels worldwide, leveraging Booking.com’s extensive inventory to ensure users have access to a diverse range of accommodation options. By focusing on video content, Travly offers travelers a more engaging and authentic way to explore and choose their stays.
One of the standout features of Travly is its incentive program for creators. By submitting videos of hotels, creators have the opportunity to earn a 5% commission on bookings made through their content. This initiative not only provides a new revenue stream for content creators but also encourages the production of high-quality, genuine reviews that enhance the overall user experience on the platform.
Zak Longo and Mayur Patil are enthusiastic about the potential impact of this model. “We’re excited to introduce a platform where creators can monetize their travel experiences while helping travelers find their ideal accommodations,” Longo said. “Our goal is to revolutionize how people discover and book their travel stays by leveraging the power of authentic, user-generated video content.”
The Power of User-Generated Content
The traditional approach to hotel booking often involves browsing through static descriptions and outdated images, which can lack the personal touch and real-life perspective that travelers seek. Travly addresses this gap by prioritizing user-generated video content, which offers a more immersive and relatable view of potential accommodations.
Creators on Travly’s platform are encouraged to share their genuine experiences, providing viewers with authentic insights into various hotels. This approach helps travelers make more informed decisions, as they can see real-life footage of hotel rooms, amenities, and surroundings. By moving away from generic information and outdated photos, Travly enhances the booking experience with content that resonates on a personal level.
Strategic Expansion and Future Plans
With its recent launch, Travly is not only focused on expanding its video content offerings but also on scaling its operations and increasing its global reach. The company plans to invest in enhancing its technology and user interface to further improve the booking experience. Additionally, Travly aims to broaden its partnership network and explore new opportunities for collaboration within the travel and hospitality industry.
The integration with Booking.com is a crucial component of Travly’s strategy. By leveraging Booking.com’s extensive hotel inventory and advanced search capabilities, Travly ensures that users have access to a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts. This partnership also allows Travly to offer competitive pricing and exclusive deals, adding value for both travelers and creators.
As Travly continues to grow, the company remains committed to its mission of transforming travel discovery through innovative technology and user-generated content. By combining their deep understanding of social media trends with a focus on authenticity and engagement, Longo and Patil are positioning Travly as a leading player in the evolving travel booking landscape.
Building a Community of Creators
In addition to its video-based platform, Travly has established a strong community of creators who contribute to its content ecosystem. The company’s ambassador group, consisting of around 1,000 creators, plays a vital role in generating high-quality content and promoting brand deals. This community-driven approach not only enriches the platform’s content but also fosters a sense of collaboration and shared success among its members.
Travly’s emphasis on creator empowerment reflects a broader trend in the digital economy, where content creators are increasingly recognized for their influence and contributions. By offering a financial incentive and providing a platform for their content, Travly is setting a new standard for how creators can engage with and monetize their passions.
Conclusion
Travly’s launch marks a significant advancement in the travel booking industry, blending the power of social media with innovative technology to enhance the user experience. By offering a platform where creators can earn commissions from their video content and providing travelers with authentic reviews, Travly is poised to make a substantial impact on how people discover and book their travel accommodations.
As the company continues to expand and evolve, it will likely drive further innovation in the travel and hospitality sectors, setting new benchmarks for engagement, authenticity, and creator empowerment. With its unique approach and commitment to excellence, Travly is well-positioned to become a key player in the future of travel booking.
I am Aparna Sahu
Investment Specialist and Financial Writer
With 2 years of experience in the financial sector, Aparna brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Investor Welcome. As an accomplished author and investment specialist, Aparna has a passion for demystifying complex financial concepts and empowering investors with actionable strategies. She has been featured in relevant publications, if any, and is dedicated to providing clear, evidence-based analysis that helps clients make informed investment decisions. Aparna Sahu holds a relevant degree or certification and is committed to staying ahead of market trends to deliver the most up-to-date advice.
