Tripadvisor Faces Shakeup as Activist Investor Starboard Seeks Control

Skift
Published: February 17, 2026
Growth & Marketing
Tripadvisor Faces Shakeup as Activist Investor Starboard Seeks Control

Summary

Activist investor Starboard Value is seeking control of Tripadvisor, criticizing management for not pursuing a sale or unlocking shareholder value. This news could indirectly impact STR hosts by highlighting volatility in the travel industry and the potential for shifts in online travel platforms. Hosts should stay informed about these developments, especially as they relate to OTA strategies.

Key Insights

  • Starboard Value, an activist investor, seeks to take control of Tripadvisor and is critiquing the company for not taking an acquisition offer.
  • The stock closed Friday below $10 a share, signifying financial concerns about the company.

Action Items

  • Hosts should monitor the financial health and strategic direction of major OTAs as it may impact their businesses.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium

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