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DCT Abu Dhabi extends partnership with Expedia Group at WTM 2025
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Expedia Group, one of the world’s leading online travel agencies, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership, formalised at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025. This multi-year agreement, signed by HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi and Jennifer Andre, VP of Business Development, Expedia Group Advertising, will implement targeted consumer advertising campaigns and initiatives across 15 key source markets across Expedia Group brand sites and apps, including Expedia, Vrbo and Hotels.com. The partnership aims to significantly boost awareness and inspire global traveller interest in Abu Dhabi’s diverse and unique tourism offerings. Building on the success of the Sunshine Pass campaign launched by DCT Abu Dhabi and Expedia earlier this year at Arabian Travel Market, this expanded collaboration will intensify promotional efforts, and further position Abu Dhabi as a premier year-round destination, encouraging deeper exploration of its rich cultural heritage, activities, and attractions. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Strategic partnerships with global travel leaders like Expedia Group are fundamental to our long-term vision for sustained tourism growth across diverse markets. This expanded collaboration will significantly strengthen Abu Dhabi's global promotion, highlighting our unique cultural and tourism attractions. We are committed to showcasing Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a year-round destination, creating lasting value for our tourism sector and welcoming every type of visitor.” By ensuring prominent visibility across Expedia Group’s expansive network of brands, this partnership will maximise Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a vibrant, world-class destination for holidaymakers. Planned initiatives will strategically target visitors for the upcoming winter sun holiday period and beyond. These campaigns will not only showcase Abu Dhabi's diverse attributes across Expedia Group's popular brands but also provide seamless access to essential booking services for flights, hotels, cruises, and tours. Jennifer Andre, VP of Business Development, Expedia Group Advertising, said: “We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi and bring the emirate’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and year-round appeal to travelers across the globe. By creating a campaign that’s shown on Expedia Group’s full suite of brands, we’re not only driving visibility for Abu Dhabi on the global tourism stage, but also making it easier than ever for travelers to discover and book experiences in this extraordinary destination on our sites.”
Expedia TAAP Rewards continues global expansion
Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) announces the expansion of its rewards programme to Brazil, U.K., Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. The programme enables travel agents to earn rewards by making eligible bookings on the Expedia TAAP platform. Expedia TAAP Rewards goes beyond commission, offering travel agents personalised recognition through a variety of reward options. Each agent can earn reward points on eligible bookings and redeem them for gift cards from leading global retailers – giving them the flexibility to choose rewards that suit their lifestyle. The programme is designed to celebrate agents’ contributions while helping them boost their earnings and impact. Since launching in the U.S. in 2022 and expanding to Canada and Mexico in 2024, Expedia TAAP Rewards has gained strong traction across North America. In the U.S., 59% of active Expedia TAAP agents are enrolled and Canada has seen even higher engagement, with 66% of agents participating. In Mexico, nearly half of all active agents are enrolled. These results highlight the programme’s success in recognising agent contributions and delivering rewards that truly resonate. In today’s dynamic travel landscape, shaped by evolving policies, new requirements and unexpected disruptions, the expertise of travel agents is more essential than ever. As demand for always-on travel support continues to surge, Expedia TAAP Rewards offers timely recognition for the agents who deliver personalised and seamless travel experiences. The expansion of Expedia TAAP Rewards not only reflects the global rise in travel demand but also highlights the indispensable role of agents. By celebrating their contributions and offering meaningful rewards, we empower them to continue providing the high-touch service travellers value most. ‘Travel agents invest so much in their clients – time, expertise and care to ensure every trip is seamless,’ said Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP. ‘With Expedia TAAP Rewards, we’re proud to invest in them in return, giving advisors the tools, recognition and benefits they need to thrive in 2025 and beyond.’
No Cards, No Stress: Expedia TAAP Launches 365-Day Deferred Payments, Flexible Booking Changes & Bank Transfers for Travel Agents
Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) has launched a slate of new features aimed at giving travel advisors more control over bookings and payments. The changes—shaped by direct feedback from advisors—include extended deferred payments, booking flexibility with a new Hard Change feature, expanded bank transfer payment options, and an agency fee tool now available in over 20 markets. Travel advisors can now offer clients deferred payment terms of up to 365 days, up from the previous 280. This change allows them to lock in early-bird rates and long-term bookings without immediate payment—providing a valuable advantage when managing complex travel plans or group itineraries. The Hard Change functionality enables advisors to modify bookings—such as changing dates, room types, or occupancy—without having to cancel and rebook. This cuts down on time-consuming admin and offers a smoother experience for both agents and travelers. New Payment Options and Revenue Tools Expedia TAAP is also expanding its payment options, now allowing bank transfers for hotel bookings in seven European countries: Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Finland, and the Netherlands. This addition meets the growing demand in card-averse markets and simplifies the process for many EU-based clients. Meanwhile, the agency service fee tool has gone global, live in 20+ countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, France, Mexico, and the UAE. Advisors can now apply a fee of up to 30% of the lodging total, giving them a way to monetize their service directly within the TAAP platform. “Nearly half of travelers now rely on travel advisors for most or all of their trips,” said Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP. “These enhancements were built with advisors’ real needs in mind—and this is only the beginning.”
Island Escapes Take Off: Expedia Reveals 2025 Hot List as Global Searches Surge 30%
Expedia has unveiled its first-ever Island Hot List for 2025, revealing a dramatic 30% global surge in interest in island travel and spotlighting the world’s most in-demand island destinations—backed by real traveler data. From culture-rich Jamaica to sun-drenched Sardinia, the list captures a powerful shift in traveler preferences toward meaningful, scenic escapes that go beyond the postcard. Released on July 15, the Expedia 2025 Island Hot List is the platform’s new curated guide to island travel, blending verified Expedia data with traveler sentiment, accessibility, hotel quality, air connectivity, and safety indicators to help travelers plan smarter, more personalized trips. The report finds that travelers aren’t just chasing beaches—they’re craving experiences rooted in authenticity, culture, and community. Many of the featured islands are also trending due to affordability, shoulder-season value, and unique local offerings. The 2025 Hot List: Top Islands to Visit in the World Each island on the list has been recognized for a signature experience: Aruba – Best for Year-Round Sunshine Bali, Indonesia – Best for Relaxation Dominican Republic – Best for Adventure Fiji – Best for Community Jamaica – Best for Culture Koh Samui, Thailand – Best for Affordable Luxury Maldives – Best for Romance Oahu, Hawaii – Best for Surfing Paros, Greece – Best for Nightlife Sardinia, Italy – Best for Food Lovers Travel interest in some destinations has skyrocketed. Paros and Sardinia are each trending up 45% year-on-year, while Koh Samui and Jamaica continue to climb thanks to their cultural depth and natural beauty. The report also identified trending islands for travelers from key regions. Among U.S. travelers, Madeira (+45%), Nantucket (+40%), St. Thomas, Palm Beach, and Turks and Caicos saw strong surges in interest. In the UAE, top picks included Cyprus, Phuket, Malta, Madagascar, and Seychelles, driven by affordability, easy access, and off-peak appeal. Expedia’s travel insights point to September as the best time for most island trips—outside of the Caribbean’s hurricane season. During this shoulder month, travelers can enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices, with hotel rates dropping up to 35% in places like Sardinia and Paros compared to August. “Powered by real traveler data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travelers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,” said Melanie Fish, Head of Public Relations, Expedia Group Brands. “Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices, and seamless flight access. To get that, our top tips are to travel out of season when stay prices can swing by 50%, and bundle flights and hotels to save even more.”
TAT partners with Expedia
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has entered into a strategic three-year partnership with Expedia Group to accelerate quality and sustainable tourism growth across the country. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Expedia Group, a long-standing partner, and work together to develop an equitable and sustainable business environment for Thailand’s tourism. Expedia Group’s innovative technology and our combined tourism initiatives will strengthen our engagement with travellers and increase destination mindshare, which will in turn drive visitor arrivals and spending.” The partnership supports TAT’s long-term vision of positioning Thailand as a leading global tourism hub that promotes high-value, sustainable growth for the economy and local communities. Over the next three years, TAT and Expedia Group will collaborate across three key areas: First, the initiative will focus on attracting high-value international travellers by leveraging Expedia Group’s global platform to stimulate demand among quality travel segments. Second, both organisations will work together on data-sharing and strategy development. Using Expedia Group’s first-party data—covering demand trends, traveller preferences, and market analysis—TAT and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will enhance their tourism planning and implementation strategies. Third, the partnership will support tourism development in secondary provinces. This includes joint efforts to boost tourism in emerging destinations and distribute visitor spending more evenly across the country. “Thailand is an important destination for Expedia Group, and we are pleased to continue working together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to develop a strong, democratised tourism industry through a multi-year commitment, in which the people of Thailand can benefit directly,” stated Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia Group. “This partnership allows us to leverage our industry-leading travel media network backed by our robust first-party data to bring the world to Thailand.” As Thailand’s tourism sector continues to grow, TAT and Expedia Group aim to ensure that this growth is both inclusive and sustainable—empowering local communities and preserving the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Emirates expands partnership with Expedia Group
Left to right: Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia Group and Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline Emirates and Expedia Group have expanded their long-standing partnership through the airline’s full integration of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API with Expedia Group’s brands, establishing a direct connection that delivers Emirates’ complete portfolio of fare products and services to Expedia Group's global customer base. This latest enhancement will empower millions of travellers to unlock a wider range of options and benefit from streamlined booking capabilities on Expedia Group’s brands when planning their journeys to any point on the airline's global network. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: "We are proud to expand our partnership with Expedia Group, allowing travellers on the platform to personalise their booking experience with Emirates. Looking ahead, our enhanced collaboration will provide travellers with seamless access to Emirates' NDC content while expanding booking possibilities across all elements of their journey." Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia Group said: “Our expanded partnership with Emirates marks a significant step in elevating the travel experience. This collaboration gives our global travelers more customised options and easier bookings, allowing them to create unique trips that suit their needs. Ultimately, it’s about making every journey a lasting memory for our travelers.” Left to right: Rehab Mansoor - Manager Leisure & Commercial Segments at Emirates; Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia Group; Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Emirates airline; Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management and , Dina Al Herais – Emirates Vice President Comm Products. The full integration will enable Expedia Group to offer Emirates’ NDC fares, products and ancillary services including extra baggage and seat selection, along with other improved features and flexibility in their booking journeys. In addition to customer personalisation, Emirates and Expedia Group will explore deeper collaboration on loyalty programmes to enhance travel rewards for both companies’ customers. They will leverage market data insights to drive business growth and inform joint marketing initiatives. The partnership will also focus on creating end-to-end booking experiences by leveraging Expedia Group’s extensive global hotel inventory for full package solutions. The tailor-made air and hotel packages will allow travellers to complement their Emirates flights with stays at thousands of hotels available on Expedia Group’s brands. The work underway will enable the airline to connect with and capture the attention of travellers from around the world. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: "We are proud to expand our partnership with Expedia Group, allowing travellers on the platform to personalise their booking experience with Emirates. Looking ahead, our enhanced collaboration will provide travellers with seamless access to Emirates' NDC content while expanding booking possibilities across all elements of their journey."
HiJiffy announces integration with Expedia Group
AI-driven hotel communication solutions provider HiJiffy announced a new partnership with Expedia Group today, 5th March. This latest integration allows hoteliers to streamline all traveller messages from Expedia Group directly in their HiJiffy Console. While saving time and resources spent on managing conversations, this partnership allows hotel staff to focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience. HiJiffy co-founder and CEO Tiago Araújo said: “We are committed to simplifying hotel guest communications by offering an all-in-one solution. The integration with Expedia Group helps hoteliers manage traveller interactions in one place, saving time and making it easier to provide a service that’s tailored to their needs.” An innovative approach Hoteliers will no longer need to log into Expedia Partner Central to manually manage traveller messages. Thanks to this new messaging capability, they can retrieve and manage all their guest communications in HiJiffy’s Console. The new functionalities include: Access the entire conversation history for a property Find individual messages or threads Send messages with attachments Stay responsive to your guests and deliver better guest experiences with real-time alerts for messages before, during, and after their stay. Thanks to this centralisation, hotels gain in efficiency and responsiveness, providing a smoother and more personalised experience for travellers. By reducing the time spent navigating between different platforms, HiJiffy allows hoteliers to focus on what really matters: guest satisfaction.
Expedia Group powers airline growth
Expedia Group has expanded its partnerships with several major airlines to support their growth strategies in a rapidly evolving global air travel market. As the industry approaches a historic milestone of 5.2 billion passengers in 2025, airlines are exploring innovative ways to showcase their value propositions in an increasingly competitive landscape. To enhance their reach and visibility, some airlines are partnering with online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia Group. Expedia Group’s research reveals a significant opportunity for airlines. The study shows that nearly 60% of travelers do not have a specific destination in mind or may consider multiple destinations when they first decide to take a trip. This traveler mindset opens a unique window for airlines to influence decisions through strategic, personalized offers at key moments in the booking process. "In this dynamic market, airlines are seeking ways to differentiate themselves. Our data-driven approach helps increase bookings and expand market reach through personalized, timely offers. We support our partners with diverse tools and resources, like Flights Sponsored Listings, which is just one of many levers airlines can use to capture demand and drive growth. These solutions enable airlines to capitalize on trends and navigate the evolving air travel landscape effectively," said James Marshall, Vice President, Global Air Account Management, Expedia Group. Supercharging airline advertising efforts Whether launching new routes, filling seats, or expanding into new markets, Flights Sponsored Listings boosts airline visibility and optimizes advertising ROI with advanced targeting to reach travel shoppers ready to book. This solution enables carriers to spotlight their unique amenities and services, offering compelling value to potential travelers. Global data confirms the effectiveness of this approach, with participating airlines experiencing an average 8% increase in ticket sales and nearly 10% in gross booking value. avianca utilized Flights Sponsored Listings to boost awareness and conversion on key US to Central and South America routes. Tailored ads and a prominent position in search results led to a 13.5% increase in market share and a 64% surge in ticket sales for the first half of 2024, significantly enhancing its presence in strategic markets. [ Hawaiian Airlines leveraged Flights Sponsored Listings to stand out on routes from the continental US and Japan to Hawaii. Showcasing unique offerings and non-stop flights, Hawaiian Airlines was able to engage high-intent travelers at the critical decision-making point in the journey. The initiative resulted in an 8% increase in ticket sales and a 5% rise in gross booking revenue year-over-year.[ Turkish Airlines has been expanding its U.S. presence to boost travel to Turkey. By using Flights Sponsored listings, they increased route visibility and promoted their growing network, collectively driving brand awareness and ticket sales. This strategy led to a 12% year-over-year increase in ticket sales and a 8.7% increase in booking value on their Istanbul route, helping them capture market share against competitors. More broadly, Expedia Group has seen a 7% increase in airline ticket sales year-over-year, a 46% increase in airline ticket sales year-over-year in Europe, and a 14.4% and 11.6% increase in market share in Asia Pacific and Europe respectively. Travellers are on the hunt for deals on flights Expedia's 2025 Air Hacks report debunks common air travel myths. For instance, contrary to the belief that there is no best day of the week to book flights, booking international flights on a Sunday instead of a Friday can save up to 13%. Expedia also announced a brand-new Flight Deals tool on its app: a customizable deals feed that lets travelers browse current flight deals from their home airport. This new feature surfaces fares that are at least 20% cheaper than the typical estimated price. Now live in the US, Flight Deals not only assists travelers in finding great flight offers but also enables airline partners to directly engage with deal-seeking travelers.
Expedia soars past expectations as holiday travel and AI drive growth
Expedia Group ended 2024 on a high note, surpassing analyst forecasts with record-breaking holiday travel demand, AI-driven innovation, and a rebound in key segments like B2B and advertising. The company reported Q4 gross bookings of USD 24.4 billion, exceeding the expected USD 23.3 billion, while 86.4 million nights were booked across its platforms, including Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. Following the strong performance, Expedia’s stock surged 9% in after-hours trading, recovering from a 7.4% decline earlier in the year. In a move signaling confidence in future growth, the company reinstated its quarterly dividend at 40 cents per share, effective March 2025. Expedia’s B2B and Advertising Boom Expedia’s Q4 revenue hit USD 3.1 billion, marking a 10% year-over-year increase. The growth was fueled by a 21% rise in B2B revenue and a 25% increase in advertising revenue. Lodging gross bookings surged 12%, with hotel bookings alone growing 14%. CEO Ariane Gorin, who took the helm in May 2024, credited the company’s strong finish to a focused investment strategy and emphasized three key priorities for 2025: expanding value for travelers, investing in high-growth business segments, and driving operational efficiency to boost margins. AI at the Heart of Expedia’s Future Strategy Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly central role in Expedia’s vision for 2025. Gorin outlined three ways the company plans to leverage AI to maintain its competitive edge. First, AI will be used to enhance user experience, ensuring travelers and partners have a seamless, personalized booking journey. Second, as travel search behaviors evolve, Expedia is investing in AI-native search platforms, ensuring its brands appear where future travelers are looking. Finally, the company is exploring partnerships with AI-driven travel startups to expand its supply network. Expedia has remained tight-lipped about Romie, its AI-powered travel assistant launched last year, but Gorin emphasized that AI-powered recommendations and search will be a game-changer in travel booking in the coming years. Vrbo and Hotels.com Bounce Back After facing challenges in recent years due to a tech migration and changes to OneKey, Vrbo and Hotels.com showed strong growth in Q4. Gorin credited this success to improved product offerings, enhanced marketing strategies, and a massive expansion in supply, with Vrbo adding one million new units, primarily in urban areas. Looking ahead, Expedia is planning a major reinvigoration of the Hotels.com brand in 2025. With new strategies in place, the company is betting on Hotels.com and Vrbo to play an even bigger role in its growth story. Challenges and 2025 Outlook Despite a strong quarter, Expedia expects bookings to grow between 4% and 6% in 2025, slightly below the 6.8% average forecast. One key challenge is the strong U.S. dollar, which could make international travel more expensive for American travelers. However, this could also create opportunities, as U.S. travelers seek better deals abroad. International demand remains a strong driver of growth, with booked room nights growing in the high single digits in the U.S., low double digits in Europe, and high teens in the rest of the world. The company’s B2B division is also benefiting from strong international demand, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. A Travel Giant Poised for Continued Growth With record holiday travel numbers, a resurgent B2B and advertising business, and major AI investments, Expedia is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the global travel industry. As the company looks ahead to 2025, its ability to capitalize on AI advancements, expand its brand offerings, and navigate economic headwinds will determine how far it can ride this wave of momentum.
Expedia Group partners with Microsoft Bing
Expedia Group and Microsoft Corp. have announced a new strategic partnership, bringing together their respective loyalty programmes to offer Bing users additional rewards on bookings powered by Expedia. In addition to earning Microsoft Rewards, travellers booking eligible accommodation on Bing also earn rewards through Expedia Group’s brands, including its One Key travel rewards programme in US and UK points of sale. The announcement comes on the heels of Expedia Group being listed as a 2024 Inc. Power Partner, a prestigious list recognising leading B2B companies that have a proven track record of helping businesses grow. Expedia Group Private Label Solutions powers travel for more than 60,000 businesses through industry-leading technology solutions, including Rapid API and white label template. Together with its partners, Private Label Solutions covers the span of the traveller journey, offering hotels, holiday rentals, flights, car hire and more. This marks the first time Expedia Group combines its industry-leading Rapid API technology and One Key travel rewards programme. Through rapid API, Microsoft Bing users benefit from Expedia Group’s seamless end-to-end booking experience with access to a robust supply of more than 750,000 hotels and holiday rentals around the world, competitive rates and customer service. ‘We are excited to join forces with Microsoft to offer Bing users more ways to earn, redeem and travel the world,’ says Alfonso Paredes, President of Private Label Solutions at Expedia Group. ‘Our unique partnership underscores the importance of travel within loyalty programmes and its ability to amplify value, variety and member retention. In today’s competitive landscape, differentiation in loyalty programmes is crucial and earning rewards from both of our brands drives the value and flexibility consumers crave.’ The expansive rewards collaboration reflects the latest industry push towards more flexibility in earning and redemption options in loyalty programmes. According to Arrivia’s 2024 Travel Outlook, 56% of brands want to introduce new rewards and/or earning and redemption options, up from 47% two years prior[1]. ‘We continue to focus on providing Bing users with more value while they search. By integrating Bing Travel with the Microsoft Rewards programme, we are creating a unique value proposition for travellers, rewarding them with a programme that is easy, simple and beneficial’ said Reid Maker, Partner GM, Microsoft Rewards. ‘Our partnership with Expedia Group is a compelling way to ensure our users have access to a wide variety of lodging experiences from a trusted travel platform while using Bing.’ The accommodation shopping and booking experience is now live in 16 markets globally, including the US and Canada, with Expedia Group as the preferred provider in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Australia. Learn how Expedia Group Private Label Solutions supercharges loyalty programmes through industry-leading technology as travel increasingly becomes central to rewards programmes across all sectors.
TDM Global Summit Singapore – 2025
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