Marc Charron to head APAC - Recognising the enormous potential for growth in Asia Pacific, TripAdvisor® is continuing its march into the region.

More than half of the traffic to TripAdvisor branded sites comes from outside the US, said the company in a statement announcing the appointment of Marc Charron as managing director for APAC.

Charron, who will be based in Singapore, will assume responsibility for expanding existing TripAdvisor businesses in India, Japan and Australia, as well as developing new markets in Southeast Asia and Korea.

Charron started TripAdvisor operations in Europe in 2006.

Steve Kaufer, founder and CEO of TripAdvisor, said, "Our additional presence and focus in Asia Pacific will allow us to expand our global leadership footprint and position the company to lead in these markets poised for exciting growth in the coming years."

Over the past five years, TripAdvisor has grown from its original website in the US to a global network of branded sites in 21 countries in 14 different languages.

In 2010, TripAdvisor launched websites in Turkey, Denmark, Mexico, Poland, Norway and Australia.

The company also announced the launch of TripAdvisor for Business.

"Our new business-to-business division and global expansion in Asia will support segments and geographical areas with the highest growth potential and enable us to further solidify our leading position in the travel industry," said Kaufer.

TripAdvisor for Business incorporates new B2B revenue streams, including Business Listings and Vacation Rentals.

Christine Petersen, who joined TripAdvisor in 2004 and served the company as Chief Marketing Officer, has been chosen to lead the new division as President of TripAdvisor for Business.

Yeoh Siew Hoon, one of Asia's most respected travel editors and commentators, writes a regular column on news, trends and issues in the hospitality industry for 4Hoteliers.com.

Siew Hoon, who has covered the tourism industry in Asia/Pacific for the past 20 years, runs SHY Ventures Pte Ltd. Her other writings can be found at www.thetransitcafe.com. Get your weekly cuppa of news, gossip, humour and opinion at the cafe for travel insiders.

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