Expedia Group strengthens its focus on technological innovation

At its annual partner conference, explore '20, Expedia Group shared its ongoing commitment to focus on technology innovation as a key driver in recovery and beyond. The world's leading online travel agency calls on all players in the global travel ecosystem to adapt to changing expectations of travelers in critical areas such as flexibility, cleanliness and communication to restore trust of the traveler.

Along with speakers from companies representing the diverse travel industry, including American Airlines, Amigo Tours, Avis Budget Group, IHG, and Princess Cruises, among others, today's speakers showed how data-driven technology addressed the challenges and opportunities it presents. the COVID-19 pandemic, while helping travel partners to be more effective, efficient and resilient.

"Travel is an industry made up of many diverse and distinct voices, and by working together, we continue to restore the hope of exploration to people around the world," said Cyril Ranque, Group President of the Travel Partners Group, Expedia Group. "Technological innovation has played a huge role this year and is a key factor in building a more efficient and sustainable travel ecosystem next year and for years to come."

Data and technology to give travel partners more control

Using the power of Expedia Group's proprietary data and technology, travel partners moved quickly to engage audiences, understand traveler booking trends, and more relevant showcase their unique value to better fit demand pockets. suitable.

-Rev + Insights API: Expedia Group's new API levels the playing field across the Expedia Group market, further democratizing revenue performance technology for all hosting partners. It provides real-time information during a time when historical data is no longer relevant, creates operational efficiencies and improves decision making. The Rev + Insights API will be available to additional connectivity provider platforms in 2021.
-Optimized Distribution Program: Expedia Group opened its optimized distribution program for medium and large accommodation partners in August of this year, allowing them to access new areas of B2B demand and giving them greater control of their rates, availability and B2B content on a network. from global travel providers. Several partners, including Highgate and Club Quarters, have signed up to date.
-Simplified onboarding process: For vacation rental property managers, Expedia Group developed the "Add a Property" tool, which makes adding more properties quick and easy within Expedia Group Partner Central and dramatically simplifies onboarding processes.
-Added Value for Cruise Suppliers: Expedia Group delivered on its omnichannel strategy to enhance the traveler experience, partner and distribution channel for cruise ships. This streamlines the booking process to offer more travelers to cruise partners. By consolidating on a single platform and developing new agent technology, franchise and consultant websites now receive access to a vast inventory of cruise and non-cruise products, among other benefits.

Meeting travelers' expectations for flexibility, health, and cleanliness
Reservation flexibility and health and safety are expected to continue to be important factors for travelers now and in the future. Expedia Group has added new features to clearly communicate new protocols that increase traveler confidence and minimize post-booking complications.

-Booking flexibility: Travelers looking for flexibility in their reservations want to quickly understand which airlines and properties offer the ability to change reservations at no additional charge. Expedia Group added a prominent "no change rates" badge on flights and a "free cancellation" filter for hotel reservations.
Contactless technology in car rentals: COVID-19 has disrupted the way people travel, while accelerating digitization and automation across the industry. Expedia Group launched "Online Check-in" and "Skip the Counter", new features to enhance the car experience for travelers while adhering to social distancing protocols. The "Online Registration" feature is available with 15 vendor partners, including Alamo, Avis, Budget and Sixt.
Raising security measures: Expedia Group increased transparency around health and safety protocols, making it easier for partners in all segments to communicate their health and safety practices to travelers through their listings. For airline travelers, the commitment to cleanliness and safety information is on par with the “non-stop” filter, the most widely used air filter on Expedia Group sites. Additionally, listings with clearly labeled health and safety information saw an increase in traveler interest.

Delivering on the traveler experience
Expedia Group technology and simple processes help increase efficiency for travel providers, giving them time to focus on creating incredible experiences that restore traveler confidence.

-Optimized Buying Experience: Expedia Group's cruise division consolidated each business point of purchase onto a single platform, allowing travelers to purchase a variety of cruise deals on their own or with the help of an agent. Additionally, travelers can also purchase Expedia Group's extensive offering of flights, accommodations, transfers and activities to meet the needs of their entire travel itinerary.
-Upsell options for partner airlines: While upsell options are traditionally displayed after a traveler selects flights, Expedia Group tested airfare selection in search results to help travelers easily compare prices and select the fare that best suits your travel needs. These capabilities are popular with travelers, as gross upsell bookings increase 237 percent year-over-year (based on Expedia Group upsell transactions in 2019).
-Increased visibility of activities: Expedia Group increased visibility of activities for travelers, which increased the distribution in Expedia Group brands. With a large global travel ecosystem, Expedia Group focused on connecting travelers with relevant activity partners, making it easy for travelers to book and redeem all components of their entire trip, including activities.

Virtual explore '20 continues today with the stellar presence of Rick Steves and Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council.