01 July 2008

Expedia unveils new name for corporate travel brand

Expedia Corporate Travel is changing its name to Egencia.

The change is designed to Ã¢â¬Åâœclarify its promise to customers, business travellers, travel bookers, suppliers and partners,Ã¢â¬~ according to the company.

Meanwhile, Egencia Canada is to acquire Ontario-based Synergi Global Travel Management.

The new brand, which claims to be the fifth largest travel management company in the world, is also introducing new tools for business travellers, travel managers and travel bookers.

Egencia is introducing several tools:

Ã~· Online rail bookings further extended to include Germany. The service is already available in France, the UK and Belgium.

Ã~· Airline information services Ã¢â¬' In collaboration with airlines, Egencia will offer enhanced access to additional information such as cabin or on-board services.

Ã~· Easy-to-use tools for both travel bookers and travellers. New traveller profile search functions have been introduced to make research easier for travel bookers. Travellers will have the option of checking-in online rather than at the airport. Additionally, customers will also receive automatic alerts if subscription or ID cards are about to expire.

Ã~· The Egencia Preferred Programme is expanding beyond hotel rates to include air and car rates.

Expedia president and CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœExpedia Corporate Travel has had a huge impact on the corporate travel industry.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœAs Egencia, the company has the platform to grow its position in the marketplace and further evolve to stay ahead of the competition.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWith Expedia, Inc.Ã¢â¬â¢s strength and support, this change elevates the company to a whole new level, a true win-win situation for Egencia, its customers and partners.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies