22 October 2008

Expedia opens inventory to high street agents

Expedia has extended its travel agent affiliate programme to the UK, giving agents direct access to the global Expedia inventory for the first time.

The Travel Agencies Affiliate Programme (TAAP) has been launched because Expedia recognises that some customers still want to book through an agent.

Vice president EMEA Mikael Andersson explained: ââ¬ÅâœThe TAAP programme in Italy has been extremely successful and it is for this reason we have extended it to the UK.

ââ¬ÅâœThere are still a significant number of consumers who prefer to book their holiday through a traditional high street shop and TAAP provides the perfect way for us to reach this new and previously unexplored customer base.ââ¬~

An external supplier with a dedicated team will provide the contact point between Expedia and the new affiliate travel agents.

The Expedia.co.uk site will host a dedicated travel agent sign in page through which agents can access flights, hotel accommodation, car hire and destination service.

Flight only bookings will not be available to travel agents.

Agents who sign up before the end of 2008 will be able to join for free and will earn enhanced commission on bookings made before March 31.

From January 2009 agents will pay a one-time joining fee of Ã&#pound;40.


By Bev Fearis

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  I have seen many companies turn to agents who were previously indifferent towards them. It's easy to see why. I don't look on this event as Expedia suddenly seeing the light, but it does demonstrate some weaknening of their business model. The recent fracas with Ryanair also looks bad, if you read between the lines.

  By Gary Phillips, Wednesday, October 22, 2008