Hebridean guesthouse to challenge TripAdvisor

Published on 04/08/2012 17:00

THE owner of a tiny Hebridean guesthouse is taking on US travel giant Trip Advisor, claiming a malicious and inaccurate review has damaged his business.

Retired lecturer Richard Gollin, who runs the six-bedroom Baille na Cille in Uig, on Lewis, says the website, which publishes reviews from travellers, should be more careful about its content

He is seeking £3,000 compensation from TripAdvisor – owned by Expedia and worth £2.3bn – saying the company failed to remove a review of his business which contained inaccuracies.

He said: “We are the smallest, most westerly remote guesthouse in Britain and we are taking on one of the largest travel guide companies.

‘I believe TripAdvisor is in dereliction of duty in failing to have proper supervision of what goes on their website.

“All across the country people should stand up to TripAdvisor.”

This is not the first time Trip­Advisor has been accused of trampling over the interests of hoteliers.

Last year, a Channel Four programme, Attack of the Trip Advisors, brought hotel owners and disgruntled guests together.

The programme featured several regular TripAdvisor contributors who appeared to enjoy finding fault with the places they visited.

TripAvisor declined to comment but is expected to argue the case should be thrown out. #