In an era where social media reigns supreme for travel inspiration, Travly is setting a new standard with its innovative hotel booking platform. Designed for the modern traveler who turns to short-form videos for destination ideas, Travly blends user-generated content with authentic reviews, moving beyond the stale and often outdated images found on traditional booking sites.
Founded by travel enthusiasts Zak Longo and Mayur Patil, Travly emerged from a successful travel network on Instagram and TikTok. Acquiring the popular @Travel handle in the summer of 2022, Longo and Patil expanded their social media reach to include @Cruises, @Hotels, @Resorts, and @Vacation. Their impressive network of 45 channels garners over a billion monthly views and is supported by around 1,000 ambassadors.
The newly launched Travly app and website aim to transform how users discover and book travel. By integrating with Booking.com, Travly offers a vast selection of hotels worldwide. The platform’s unique model allows creators to earn a 5% commission for video submissions, provided they capture high-quality, engaging content. This approach ensures travelers get a real look at hotels, while hotels benefit from fresh and appealing content.
Longo emphasizes, “We needed a product that complemented our social media presence. With travelers increasingly using social media as a search tool, we saw an opportunity to bridge that gap with our new booking platform.”
Travly's “Destination Dupes” feature adds a fun twist by comparing high-end travel destinations to more budget-friendly alternatives. For instance, users can explore the charm of Krakow as a cost-effective substitute for a pricier London stay, proving that you don’t have to break the bank for an incredible experience.
The platform’s “Discover New Directions” feature helps undecided travelers find their next adventure through tailored suggestions based on their preferences. Future expansions are on the horizon, including trip packages, restaurant reservations, and concert tickets, aiming to create a comprehensive travel planning hub.
As the creator economy continues to boom, with projections of reaching $480 billion by 2027, Travly is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Other startups, like Plannin, are also leveraging travel influencers to reshape the booking landscape. Travly’s fresh approach and commitment to integrating user-generated content with booking convenience make it a noteworthy player in this evolving market.
