Hub » Expedia Partner Solutions (2024)

How do you stay competitive in the rapidly changing travel landscape?
Using the right tools can give you that competitive edge and open up new opportunities. Read on for our best practices that will bring your supply strategy to the next level.

Highlights

Offer more than just accommodation: suit travelers needs with a wide range of rates, deals and payment options

Get your offering out there though relevant merchandising

Take your supply offering [underline]beyond[/underline] the basics

As you’re crafting your supply optimization strategy, the good news is that you’re already a step ahead with your access to EPS diverse global supply. What’s more, with our wide breadth of accommodations, you can better convert your existing traveler base or to reach new traveler segments. Whether you have a high-end leisure traveler looking to relax at a luxury resort, a family or group wanting a large vacation rental, or a corporate traveler looking for a business hotel – we've got it all covered.

What’s more, with our wide breadth of accommodations, you can better convert your existing traveler base or to reach new traveler segments. Whether you have a high-end leisure traveler looking to relax at a luxury resort, a family or group wanting a large vacation rental, or a corporate traveler looking for a business hotel – we've got it all covered.

7/10

travelers find booking flexibility key to rebuilding confidence*

Expedia Group Media Solutions – Traveler Sentiment & Influences 2020/2021 study.

[underline]Delight[/underline] travelers

Flexibility matters more in the “new normal”

With so much uncertainty, travelers are opting for plans that can be easily adjusted. Make sure that you’re leveraging your access to 490,000+ properties offering flexible cancellations.

Giving travelers choice in how to pay with prepay and post-pay options is another opportunity to boost confidence and increase conversion. Since you already have access to our full range of 650,000+ properties, this means you can use machine learning to provide travelers with the best option for them.

Deals and free perks

Getting the best value for money has always been a focus. In fact, two thirds of travelers say that value is the most important factor in their booking decisions.* With the economic impact of COVID-19, there’s an even greater emphasis on value. Success today means understanding how to inspire and stimulate travel again and offering exclusive accommodation deals and free benefits can help you convert travel dreamers into active shoppers.

Expedia Group research studying the behavior of 1,900+ US domestic and international travelers, February to August 2020.

[underline]Boost[/underline] revenue

Make the most of package rates

Package rates continue to be a great way to drive incremental revenue and traveler satisfaction – travelers who book packages receive an average discount of 15%. The bundled pricing allows travelers to get a deal and also plays a role in building longer-term loyalty.

Grow your offering with global B2B rates

Introducing global high-margin B2B rates into your supply can help you maximize revenue and boost business recovery. These wholesale rates are part of Expedia Group’s optimized distribution program and give you direct access to 100,000+ room types globally from international hotel chains including Marriott, Highgate and Club Quarters. And you’ll also automatically automatically receive new rates as properties continue to join the program.

If you want to learn more
here’s a quick 101 on optimized distribution

43% of survey respondents indicated they will be looking for reviews mentioning cleanliness.*

As travelers are adapting to new realities, they’re also looking for a quick way to identify properties that are following safety and cleanliness practices, where ratings and reviews come into play as well.

Source: Vrbo survey of 222 travelers conducted in April 2020

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90%

of travelers know what they want to do on holiday but can’t decide on a destination

65%

of travelers are influenced by online content when making travel plans

60%

of travelers look for a deal before making their decision

Source: Expedia Media Solutions, “Multinational travel trends”

Here are our top 4 recommendations to consider:

Build relevant filters to assist the traveler search

Vacation rentals have a different composition to traditional accommodation. Focus on filters to meet key criteria such as number of rooms, bathrooms and beds, maximum occupancy and the property’s square footage.

Need to display clearer property details

Vacation rentals also require enhanced property descriptions, including what’s allowed and not allowed at the property, as this can differ from a traditional hotel. As well as highlighting the room configurations, it’s also important to support the different VR-specific amenities and special check-in instructions.

Need to handle deposits and payment schedules

Vacation rental rates are much less flexible than normal rates - you can't package or discount them. Deposit and payment schedules also make it more challenging for partners to be the Merchant of Record.

Damage deposits are often charged prior to stay and refunded after
Vacation rentals typically have a payment schedule as booking windows are much longer
Scheduled payments often require a manual action by the traveler

Let’s work together to seize the opportunities.

Contact your Account Manager to learn more.

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