TripAdvisor has acquired UK-based Holiday Watchdog (http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/) for an undisclosed sum.

The user-generated online travel business will continue to be operated as an independent site.

Holiday Watchdog will be operated out of TripAdvisor's London office.

There are no near-term plans for integration of content with other TripAdvisor Media Network sites, a statement said.

Its founders will work through a transition period but have chosen not to stay with TripAdvisor long-term.

TripAdvisor CEO and founder Steve Kaufer said: "Holiday Watchdog nicely complements existing content in the TripAdvisor Media Network.

"The acquisition is designed to strengthen TripAdvisor's position as the predominant travel planning resource and adds another strong brand to the TripAdvisor Media Network, a collection of travel media sites."

by Phil Davies