Heartful vs Riparide: Values-Driven Accommodation vs Traditional Booking

While both platforms serve Australian travellers, Heartful differentiates its offering through its firm commitment to sustainability, accessibility and inclusion, and local community impact.

Commission Rate Comparison

• Heartful: Currently 7% commission, increasing to 10% in October 2025
• Riparide: Currently 2% host fee plus 14.5% customer service fee = 16.5% combined commission
• Advantage: Significantly lower fees that translate to better value for hosts and way more competitive pricing for guests

Search Algorithm Composition

Traditional platforms like Riparide prioritise:

• Price and availability
• Review scores and ratings
• Location convenience

Heartful's intelligent matching prioritises:

• Sustainability and environmental impact
• Comprehensive accessibility features
• Cultural inclusivity and diversity
• Local community economic support
• Environmental certification and compliance

Nuanced, Values-Driven Ethos

Heartful was specifically designed to reflect many core values:

• Environmental stewardship, enrichment and conservation
• Celebrating multiculturalism and Australia's rich, multi-faceted cultural history
• Recognition and respect for indigenous culture and heritage
• Accessibility, gender equality and equal opportunity
• Community support and local economic development

Comprehensive Inclusion Features

Beyond standard accommodation booking, Heartful offers:

• Advanced accessibility filtering for diverse disabilities
• LGBTQIA+ friendly verification systems
• Cultural learning and exchange opportunities
• Environmental education and engagement
• Community connection facilitation

Platform Mission Alignment

Choose Heartful if you value:

• Supporting Australian innovation and company ownership
• Environmental and social responsibility as a core driver of travel choices and purchasing decisions
• Accessibility, equity, body positivity and inclusion
• Celebrating and showcasing cultural diversity
• Profits being reinvested in local Australian communities

The Future of Australian Accommodation

Heartful represents the evolution of domestic and international traveller sentiments and a migration to platforms that serve the functional needs of travellers AND actively contribute to positive environmental and social impact across Australian communities.

Our goal is to improve the domestic tourism sector in Australia, not just profiteer from a 'business as usual', transactional approach. We can't wait for you to join us on this mission.