Expedia focuses on technology as a catalyst for tourism recovery. The American player reveals how data-driven technology offers suppliers added value to regain traveler trust.
In occasion of the annual conference explore ‘20, Expedia Group shared information on its continuous commitment to focusing on technological innovation as a key driver for recovery and beyond. The world’s leading online travel agency is inviting all actors in the global travel ecosystem to adapt to changing traveler expectations in critical areas like flexibility, cleanliness, and communication, in order to regain their trust.
Joined by representatives from companies representing the diverse travel sector, including American Airlines, Amigo Tours, Avis Budget Group, IHG, and Princess Cruises, speakers explained how data-driven technology has enabled addressing challenges and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, while also making travel partners more effective, efficient, and resilient.
“Travel is a sector composed of many different and distinct voices. Working together, we can continue to keep the desire to explore alive in people around the world,” declared Cyril Ranque, Group President of Expedia Group’s Travel Partners Group division. “Technological innovation has played a huge role this year and is a key factor in creating a more efficient and sustainable travel ecosystem next year and in the years to come.”
Summary
Data and digital travel for Expedia partners
Using the power of Expedia Group’s proprietary technologies and data, travel partners quickly moved to capture audiences, understand booking trends, and more generally, highlight their unique value to better adapt to demand.
- Rev+ Insights API. Expedia Group’s new API changes the game across the Expedia Group marketplace, further democratizing revenue performance technologies for all lodging partners. It provides detailed real-time insights at a time when historical data is no longer relevant, creates operational efficiencies, and improves decision-making. The Rev+ Insights API will be available for additional connectivity platform providers in 2021.
- Optimized distribution program. In August of this year, Expedia Group opened its optimized distribution program to mid- and large-sized lodging partners, allowing them to leverage new B2B demand areas and offering greater control over rates, availability, and B2B content through a global network of tourism service providers. Several partners, including Highgate and Club Quarters, have already joined the initiative.
- Simplified onboarding process. For vacation rental managers, Expedia Group developed the “Add a Property” tool, which makes adding multiple properties simple and quick within Expedia Group Partner Central and greatly simplifies onboarding processes.
- Added value for cruise providers. Expedia Group has implemented an omnichannel strategy to improve the experience for travelers, partners, and the cruise distribution channel. This simplifies the booking process, increasing the number of travelers for cruise partners. By consolidating on a single platform and developing new technologies for agents, franchising websites, and consulting, they now access a wide inventory of cruise and other products, along with several benefits.
Flexibility, health and cleanliness, new functionalities for travelers
Booking flexibility, health, and safety will remain important factors for travelers now and in the future. Expedia Group has added several features to clearly communicate new protocols, increasing traveler confidence and minimizing post-booking complications.
- Touchless car rental technology. COVID-19 has completely changed how people travel, 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 respecting social distancing protocols. The “Online Check-in” feature is available for 15 partners, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Sixt.
- Enhanced safety measures. Expedia Group increased transparency regarding health and safety protocols, making it easier for partners across segments to communicate their health and safety procedures to travelers via announcements. For air travelers, interest in cleanliness and safety information is comparable to the “Non-stop” filter, the most used airline filter on Expedia Group sites. Additionally, announcements with clearly highlighted health and safety information have seen increased traveler interest.
Enhancing traveler experience
Expedia Group’s technologies and simple processes help increase the efficiency of travel providers, enabling them to focus on creating extraordinary experiences that can restore traveler trust.
- Simplified shopping experience. Expedia Group’s cruise division consolidated all corporate buying points into a single platform, allowing travelers to purchase a range of cruise offers on their own or with the help of an agent. Additionally, travelers can choose from a wide range of flights, accommodations, transfers, and activities from Expedia Group to meet their entire itinerary needs.
- Upselling options for airline partners. While upselling options are traditionally displayed after a traveler has selected flights, Expedia Group tested airline ticket selection in search results to help travelers easily compare prices and choose the fare that best suits their travel needs. These features are popular among travelers, with a 237% year-over-year increase in total upselling bookings (based on Expedia Group’s upselling transactions in 2019).
- Increased activity visibility. Expedia Group has increased activity visibility for travelers by expanding distribution among the company’s brands. With a vast global travel ecosystem, Expedia Group focused on connecting travelers with relevant activity partners, enabling travelers to easily book and enjoy all components of their trip, including activities.
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