About .travel domain
.travel is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) operated by Donuts Inc. It was delegated by ICANN in 2005 as a specialized extension for a specific sector, with The Travel Partnership Corporation acting as its original sponsor. The registry has changed hands over time, being acquired by Donuts in 2018. As a product, it is a restricted TLD sold through accredited domain registrars.
Who can register .travel domain
Registration for a .travel domain is restricted to verified participants in the travel and tourism industry. Eligible registrants include organizations, associations, agencies, and individuals who provide or plan to provide services, products, or content related to travel. This encompasses a broad range of entities such as airlines, hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and attractions. Registrants must meet charter eligibility requirements to prove their connection to the industry.
How to register .travel domain
- Search for your desired .travel domain name at an accredited registrar to check its availability, keeping in mind the eligibility restrictions for this TLD.
- Compare pricing, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different registrars that offer .travel domains.
- Complete the checkout process, which will include providing accurate contact information and potentially submitting verification of your travel industry affiliation.
- After purchase, configure your DNS settings to point the domain to your hosting and ensure your website with relevant travel content is published within the required timeframe.
Typical uses of .travel domain
The .travel extension is predominantly used by businesses and organizations directly involved in the tourism sector to clearly communicate their industry focus. Travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, airlines, and destination marketing organizations commonly choose .travel to create a memorable and context-specific web address. It offers an alternative to generic TLDs by providing immediate topical relevance, helping these entities stand out in a crowded online marketplace. While its use is concentrated within the travel industry, it serves as a dedicated digital space for promoting services and information related to tourism.
Tips for registering .travel domain
- Registrants are required to launch a website with content relevant to the travel industry within one year of registering the domain.
- The TLD operates under a Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP) in addition to the standard UDRP, allowing challenges based on a registrant's lack of travel industry affiliation.
- Direct second-level registrations are permitted, but the sale of third-level domains (subdomains) under a registered .travel name is expressly prohibited by the registry's structure.
- Domains are available through standard accredited registrars, but all applicants must pass an eligibility verification process tied to the travel sector.
Frequently asked questions about .travel domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .travel domain?
As of today, .travel domains start from $14.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $220.82/yr across 23 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .travel domains?
NameBeta tracks 23 registrars that support .travel domain registration, with the cheapest option at $14.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .travel domain?
The registry for .travel domains is Identity Digital, administered by Dog Beach, LLC.
Who can register a .travel domain?
Registration is open to a wide array of participants in the travel and tourism industry, including businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and even individuals offering travel-related services or content. To complete registration, you must verify your affiliation with the sector, which can include entities like airlines, hotels, tour operators, restaurants, or attractions. There is no geographic restriction, but the charter requires a legitimate connection to travel activities.
Can I transfer a .travel domain between registrars?
.travel domains can be transferred between accredited registrars following the standard inter-registrar transfer policy (IRTP). The process typically requires an authorization code from your current registrar and confirming the domain is unlocked and not within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer. It's important to ensure your eligibility for the .travel TLD remains valid with the new registrar, as the sponsorship agreement's requirements still apply post-transfer.
What happens if I don't build a travel-related website?
The registry requires that a website with content relevant to the travel industry be published within one year of registration. Failure to comply with this content requirement could make the domain subject to a Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP) challenge. This means another party could file a complaint arguing you are not using the domain in accordance with its sponsored purpose, potentially resulting in the loss of the domain.
Are there special protections for geographic names in .travel?
Yes, there was a priority registration period for governments to secure geographic place names, which concluded in December 2007. This program allowed governmental bodies early access to register names corresponding to countries, regions, cities, and other landmarks. For other registrants, geographic names may be available subject to the standard eligibility verification and provided they do not infringe on trademarks or other rights.
What dispute policies apply to .travel domains?
.travel domains are subject to the standard Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for trademark-based complaints. Additionally, they are governed by the Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP), which is unique to sponsored TLDs. The CEDRP allows for challenges based solely on a registrant's failure to meet the TLD's eligibility criteria, such as not having a legitimate connection to the travel industry.
