Expedia News
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.
Expedia opens offices in Puerto Rico as business booms
Expedia has announced the opening of its first local Puerto Rico office in San Juan. “As one of Expedia group’s top producing destinations within the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is an in-demand market with more than 250 hotel partners,” said Demetrius Canton, director of lodging partner services for the Caribbean, Expedia group.
Expedia accelerates mobile growth
Expedia.com has unveiled several major updates to its Expedia mobile apps, in response to recent company research on mobile travel behaviors.
Expedia rolls out loyalty programme for small businesses
Expedia has launched a new loyalty program optimized to help small businesses in the United States save money and reward employees for business travel.
Expedia unveils app for Apple watch
Expedia.com has released the Expedia app for Apple Watch, providing a convenient new way for travelers to receive and access helpful trip information at a glance.
Expedia plans new headquarters in Seattle
Expedia is planning to purchase Amgen’s multi-building, waterfront campus in the City of Seattle and move its headquarters to the new space by 2018.
Expedia reports strong demand for Haiti holidays
The Expedia group has revealed a significant expansion in the Haiti market in 2014, including increased travel demand, hotel partner acquisitions and a surge in mobile and package bookings for the burgeoning destination. With increased flight arrivals, new hotel and resort accommodations and a flourishing art and culinary scene, Haiti is quickly being recognised as a potential travel destination.
Arne Erichsen, director of market management, Expedia
Arne Erichsen, director of market management, Expedia talks to Breaking Travel News at ITB 2015.
Expedia increases ownership in AirAsia-Expedia joint venture
Expedia has entered into an agreement with AirAsia Berhad to purchase an additional 25% equity interest of AAE Travel, the joint venture formed between the two companies in 2011, for cash consideration of $86.3 million.
Expedia to acquire Orbitz Worldwide for US$1.6bn
Expedia has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement under which it will acquire Orbitz Worldwide, including all of Orbitz Worldwide’s brands, for $12.00 per share in cash. The deal represents an enterprise value of approximately $1.6 billion, and a premium of approximately 29 per cent over the volume weighted average share price for the five trading days up to and including February 11th, 2015.