02 March 2009

Agents sign for Expedia affiliate scheme

Almost 200 agents have signed up to Expedia’s affiliate programme in the first three months.

The online company said that more than 185 agents had signed up to the scheme, which gives them direct access to the global Expedia product offering.

A reduced joining fee from £40 to £20, which is deducted from the first month’s commission, has been introduced for anyone joining before the end of March and increased commission is available on bookings made.

A new online sign up tool has also been created.

Agents that sign up to the Travel Agents Affiliate Programme gain access to the flights, hotel accommodation, car hire and destination service combinations available on www.expedia.co.uk, which they can book and earn commission on.

Expedia Affiliate Network managing director and vice-president EMEA Tamer Tamar said: "We have been extremely pleased with the progress of the TAAP in the UK.

"January was a particularly successful month and we have seen a surge in agents signing up and making bookings since the New Year.

"The launch of this programme in October marks the first time Expedia has worked directly with travel agents in the UK and we are delighted to see that it is working so well.

"We want to make the whole process as comprehensive, efficient and flexible as possible and believe that enabling our travel agent partners to sign up for TAAP online will help us to reach that goal."

by Phil Davies