Expedia launches Agent Affiliate scheme in Asia Pacific
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Expedia announced the launch of its Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) in Asia Pacific this week following the great success of the program in Europe. From 01 March, Australian travel agents can gain direct access to Expedia’s massive global inventory and earn commission on bookings for flights, hotels, tailor-made packages, car rental and activities. 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 program is a great boost for Travel Agents because they can earn revenue selling highly competitive rates and inventory that just aren’t available elsewhere” said Stuart Udy, Manager of Travel Agent Distribution APAC at Expedia.
“Our Travel Agent Affiliate Program has been extremely successful in Europe with over 6000 members enlisted in the program so we are very confident and excited to be launching TAAP in Australia. We recognize 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 Agent’s and provide highly competitive services to Agency customers.”
Prices and products shown on the agency’s booking will be 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 agencies card is used to process the transaction.
To become a member of the program, travel agents can register online at Expedia.com.au. As a TAAP member, agents will have direct access to Expedia’s global inventory and can use the search engine to check the availability of flights, hotel rooms and more, to make bookings in real time. Affiliates will benefit from the same fast and simple site functionality that direct customer’s experience, enabling them to research, plan and book the best possible trips for their clients using Expedia.
Join now and save – 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 program after 1 May 2010, will be subject to a one-time membership fee of $100.
Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program was first launched in Italy in 2002 and has since expanded to the UK, France, Germany, Canada and now Asia Pacific. The program currently has more than 6,000 Travel Agent members worldwide.
About Expedia.com.au
Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world’s leading online travel company, operates Expedia.com.au
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