Expedia lures agents to sell its content
SYDNEY – Expedia has launched its Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) in Asia Pacific, allowing Australian travel agents to gain direct access to Expedia’s global inventory and earn commission on bookings for flights, hotels, car rental etc.
Other markets across Asia Pacific will be launched later this year.
Agents who sign up to the scheme will get access to a password protected channel where they can book and earn commission on Expedia content.
“This programme is a great boost for travel agents because they can earn revenue selling highly competitive rates and inventory that is not available elsewhere,†said Stuart Udy, manager of Travel Agent Distribution APAC at Expedia.
“Our Travel Agent Affiliate Programme has been extremely successful in Europe with more than 6000 members enlisted in the programme so we are very confident and excited to be launching TAAP in Australia.
“We recognise that many consumers prefer to book through traditional travel agents and that travel agents have not had access to many of the products at rate structures Expedia is able to offer.
“TAAP provides the perfect way for us to partner with travel agents and provide highly competitive services to agency customers.â€
Udy said prices and products shown on the agency’s booking are identical to those shown on the consumer’s site allowing the agent to compete directly with an online price and still earn a commission.
“Once the agent is registered, commission is earned on processed bookings regardless of whether the consumer credit card is used or the agency’s card is used to process the transaction.â€
Standard Commission will be 10 percent for Expedia Special Rate Hotels although a launch promotion is offering 12 percent for a limited period.
Other commission rates are: activities are 10 percent, car hire is 6 percent, packages are 5 percent and Flights one percent.
“Obviously we don’t expect a big uptake on flights but agents already have their preferred deals in place anyway,†Udy said.
“We also have a volume based incentive scheme where agents can earn up to 11.5 percent once they reach very achievable volume benchmarks.
“In Europe, our experience is about 60 percent of bookings are Expedia Special Rate hotel, about 30 percent packages and the rest made up from the other three options: activities, flight and car.â€
Udy said he has been talking to people across the APAC retail industry “and there is a very high level of acceptance to the concept so we are expecting a big application rateâ€.
To become a member of the programme, travel agents can register online at Expedia.com.au.
Expedia is waiving the one-time membership fee for all agents who sign up by April 30, 2010.
Agents who sign up before the end of March will have a chance to earn an enhanced commission on bookings made until June 30, 2010.
Agents who join the programme after May 1, 2010, will be subject to a one-time membership fee of $100.
Ian Jarrett
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