BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, France — Group Michelin has acquired Tablet Inc., the online travel agency that specializes in offering "unforgettable and original experiences" at boutique and luxury hotels.
Michelin sees Tablet's business model fitting with the "ethos" of its Michelin Guides business, according to Pascal Couasnon, director of gastronomic and tourist activities for Michelin
"Travelers and foodies are now looking for experiences which tell a story, and which help them discover a universe where they can show their appreciation of the local cultures," Mr. Couasnon said.
"Tablet is part of this new lifestyle that fully corresponds to the ethos of the Michelin Guides. We want to offer our readers the best, by revealing places that offer this extra soul and express the fruit of the work of hoteliers and passionate chefs alike."
Headquartered in New York, Tablet was founded in 2000 by Laurent Vernhes and Michael Davis to provide unique hotel experiences through its associated booking platform.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Michelin said the goal of this alliance is to broaden Tablet's audience geographically; 52 percent of Tablet customers are North American.
The Tablet selection comprises 3,500 hotels that are visited and evaluated in a "rigorous and anonymous" way before being listed on the site, Michelin said. The company also offers its Tablet Plus Club members exclusive benefits, such as room upgrades or free breakfast.
"Michelin and Tablet share an unbiased approach to curation," Messrs. Vernhes and Davis said. "Our dedication to integrity has made us leaders in our respective fields, and now we're combining forces for a ground-breaking union that will change the scale of Tablet and transform the Tablet Plus program."
Likewise, hotel reservations driven by expert curation and exclusive privileges will be a significant addition to Michelin's travel portfolio.