Starboard's Smith says Tripadvisor should consider selling its restaurant booking platform

Core Viewpoint - Starboard Value CEO Jeff Smith suggests that Tripadvisor should consider selling its restaurant booking platform TheFork and possibly the entire company to enhance revenue growth and user experience [1][2]. Group 1: Business Segments - Tripadvisor operates three main businesses: hotel reviews, tour bookings through Viator, and restaurant reservations via TheFork [1]. - TheFork is identified as the most easily separable and least-integrated business, making it a prime candidate for sale at an attractive multiple [2]. Group 2: Shareholder Engagement - Starboard has been engaging with Tripadvisor for several weeks and has built a 9% stake in the company, advocating for changes to unlock value [3]. - Tripadvisor's management acknowledges the importance of constructive engagement with shareholders and is committed to driving long-term value [3]. Group 3: Growth Opportunities - Smith highlights that the booking experiences segment, represented by Viator, is the fastest-growing area in the travel industry, indicating potential for significant performance improvement [4]. - There are substantial cost-saving opportunities at Tripadvisor, especially if revenue growth does not accelerate [4].