MSN.co.uk is relaunching its MSN Travel channel, a comprehensive destination now offering consumers a unique mix of exclusive content, bespoke information and a holiday booking service provided by Expedia. The original Travel Channel has been completely redesigned and now offers advertisers the opportunity to engage with consumers who travel regularly and book their holidays online.

Partnering with some of the world’s leading travel brands, MSN Travel will present advertisers with a wide range of opportunities to reach 25-44 year old frequent flyers.  The opportunities include engaging with users on the channel’s message boards and the chance for content sponsors to place branded messaging on the web site.

To provide the target audience with relevant and interesting content, MSN Travel is partnering with the following providers: 

? Expedia - the leading online travel agent will facilitate MSN Travel’s holiday booking service and destinations guide

? Guardian Travel - will provide travel features and its archive will also be available on for users to access

? Condé Nast Traveller - the world famous magazine will publish their annual Gold list of the finest hotels in the world but also provide exclusive articles

? Rough Guides and Dorling Kindersley - will provide online travel guides

? Tripadvisor - will offer users independent travel opinions.

The relaunch of MSN Travel comes just ahead of January - the travel industry’s busiest time of the year when sales rise, as people book holidays for the year ahead. Consequently the channel and its advertisers will be able to target the high number of consumers surfing the web for travel inspiration in this period.

The revamp of MSN Travel follows the recent unveiling of MSN Movies and reinforces Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions commitment to provide consumers with a variety of interesting content to meet their everyday needs and to provide advertisers with new opportunities to engage with their key target audiences. 

Justin Dewhirst, Head of Portal Management MSN UK said: “Our aim is to build MSN Travel into the destination on the web for consumers looking for travel information. We’re really excited to be working with leaders in the travel industry like Expedia, Condé Nast Traveller and Rough Guides. The channel will provide a wealth of great opportunities for advertisers to connect their brand with consumers in a highly contextual and engaging environment.”
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