Expedia News
Expedia CruiseShipCenters plans growth in 2016
Expedia CruiseShipCenters ended 2015 on a high note with substantial growth into new U.S. markets in addition to being named a top franchise opportunity. In 2015, the retail travel company met 33 percent year-over-year distribution channel growth when it awarded a record 40 new travel agency franchises. The brand looks to propel growth plans even farther in 2016.
Expedia reveals surge in demand for Caribbean travel
The Expedia group has reported at Caribbean Travel Marketplace an increase in travel demand of 20 per cent year over year for the Caribbean via the company’s platforms during the third quarter of 2015 with significant growth reported across the entire region. The company also reports that Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic remains the top producing market in the Caribbean with more than 15 per cent growth year over year in the third quarter of 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014.
Expedia to acquire HomeAway for $3.9bn
Expedia has agreed to acquire HomeAway, including all of its brands, for an equity value of approximately $3.9 billion in cash and Expedia common stock, representing a per share price for HomeAway shares of $38.31, based on Expedia’s closing price on November 3, 2015. Under the terms of the transaction, Expedia will offer to acquire each outstanding share of common stock of HomeAway in exchange for $10.15 in cash and 0.2065 of a share of Expedia common stock.
SilverRail Technologies signs partnership with Expedia
SilverRail Technologies and the Expedia group have signed a strategic technology partnership to power Expedia’s global expansion in the rail business. Rail is an increasingly popular mode of regional transport throughout Europe and Asia. According to Phocuswright, rail is now the fastest growing sector in travel, with over €30 billion in rail tickets sold in Europe alone.
Expedia completes $1.6bn Orbitz acquisition
Expedia has completed its acquisition of Orbitz Worldwide, Inc., including all of its brands and assets, for US$12.00 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately US$1.6 billion. With the completion of the transaction, Orbitz Worldwide stock is no longer being traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Expedia brings PartnerCentral App to market
Expedia has introduced the PartnerCentral App for iPhone and Android. This mobile app is touted as a new way to help hoteliers manage their business on Expedia anytime, anywhere, and was created to help solve the everyday problems hoteliers face in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive world.
Expedia renews deal with American Airlines
Expedia is renewing its agreement with American Airlines Group for distribution of American Airlines and US Airways flights on Expedia, Travelocity and Hotwire sites.
Expedia Media Solutions launches new Bermuda Tourism video
Expedia group’s Media Solutions team has teamed up with Bermuda Tourism to highlight the destination in a new ‘choose your own travel adventure’ video campaign. The video, created with filming and production agency Archer’s Mark and co-producers Big DB, was filmed using specially-designed wearable cameras to deliver a truly personal perspective. The Bermuda Tourism interactive video kicked off mid-August and will run through the end of December.
Expedia selects architects for Seattle move
Expedia has selected architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson to design its new 40-acre waterfront campus in Seattle. Expedia plans to relocate to the new campus in the City of Seattle from its current location in downtown Bellevue by 2018. Expedia’s future campus is ideally situated at the north end of Seattle’s waterfront, which is in the midst of a billion dollar redevelopment and re-emergence as a world-class park, and located just minutes from downtown Seattle and along the Elliott Bay shoreline.
St Lucia records serge in tourism bookings
The Expedia group has recorded significant increases in travel demand for properties of all-star levels on the island of St. Lucia. Overall, demand increased more than 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 when compared to the same time last year. Demand is even more significant for four and five star properties, with an increase year over year of approximately 25 per cent.
Tourism Australia signs three year deal with Expedia
Tourism Australia and the Expedia group have signed a multi-million dollar three-year marketing partnership aimed at developing campaigns and content to increase international travel to Australia. The three year memorandum of understanding represents the first formal agreement which Tourism Australia has entered into with a global online travel agency.
Expedia amends rate, conditions and availability parity clauses
The Expedia group has revealed that it intends to waive certain clauses in its agreements with its European hotel partners. Expedia’s waivers will become effective as at 1 August 2015 and Expedia will contact its hotel partners in Europe individually to communicate how it intends to implement the changes.