Expedia expands into rail sales
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Expedia is planning to launch a new rail booking platform, and has formed a technology partnership to drive its expansion in the sector.
The US-based online travel giant has teamed up with SilverRail, which operates a global rail ticketing platform that allows travellers to search for and book tickets with multiple rail companies. This, according to the company, will enable Expedia to deliver a “simple, consistent search and booking experience” on its global sites.
“We know rail is a highly sought-after form of transportation, especially across Europe and Asia, and we want to ensure our customers have a full variety of travel choices when they visit our sites,” said Greg Schulze, Expedia’s senior vice president of global tour & transport.
“SilverRail offers a strong technology platform designed specifically for the rail business and a wide array of train providers. We are optimistic this platform will continue to grow so our travellers have the broadest possible set of rail options.
“The growth of rail, and the significant business opportunity it presents, is a trend we can no longer neglect; we look forward to begin selling rail tickets and learning more about the nuances of this unique product,” he added.
SilverRail currently processes more than one billion online rail searches and 20 million bookings per year, with more than 80 rail providers and operators connected via the company’s ‘SilverCore’ distribution platform. It also serves more than 1,500 corporate customers.
“This is undoubtedly one of the most significant partnerships we have signed,” commented Aaron Gowell, CEO of SilverRail. “We are thrilled to be working with Expedia to bring rail into the world’s largest travel e-commerce platform.”
Development of Expedia’s rail platform has already begun, and is expected to launch in 2016.
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