Expedia honours travel advisors with global events and TAAP expansion

Expedia Group is celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day by hosting several events across the world to recognize and show appreciation for its Expedia TAAP travel agent partners and the vital role they play in the travel ecosystem. 

To celebrate, Expedia Group said it is organizing exclusive gatherings, including breakfasts, lunches and evening receptions, across key markets including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, China and Japan.  

According to Expedia Group, these events serve as a dedicated moment to recognize travel agents, express gratitude for their contributions and share exciting updates. 

Expedia Group reported that it will also showcase new products and enhancements to its Expedia TAAP global booking platform, which connects travel agents to its extensive portfolio of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, packages, car rentals and activities.

“Global Travel Advisor Day is an opportunity for Expedia Group to celebrate and support travel agents worldwide,” said Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP.

 “With today’s announcement, we’re reinforcing our commitment by expanding into new markets and launching initiatives that help agents attract customers, personalize experiences and grow their businesses. By investing in tools that improve cash flow management and create new revenue opportunities, we’re empowering them to thrive in an evolving industry," said Lawther.

Expanding supply, launching to new markets  

Expedia TAAP shared that agents in the US point of sale can now book Southwest Airlines flights, further enhancing the platform’s value. 

With multiple connectivity sources including GDS, direct airline connections and NDC, agents can effortlessly search, compare and book flights. Additional perks like bundled packages provide travellers with even more flexibility. 

According to the company, as demand continues to rise in a thriving travel market, Expedia TAAP is expanding its presence in the UAE, strengthening its support for travel agents in the region. 

This expansion reflects the company's commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to a vast travel inventory and unlocking new revenue opportunities. 

Maximizing earnings, flexible payment options

To further empower travel agents, Expedia TAAP reported it has introduced the agency service charge to majority points of sale, allowing agents to add a discretionary fee to lodging bookings. 

This feature helps agents get compensated, on top of regular commission, for their expertise when the booking is made, without requiring a separate transaction. 

Expedia TAAP has long offered deferred payments, giving travel agents the flexibility to book now and pay later, helping them manage cash flow. 

Building on this, new enhancements now allow agents to book accommodation up to 365 days in advance and make post-booking itinerary changes, offering even greater control and convenience. 

Additionally, to meet the diverse payment preferences of global markets, bank transfers are now accepted on Expedia TAAP in regions where this method is favoured. 

On Global Travel Adviser Day and beyond, Expedia TAAP said it continues to prioritize travel agents and agencies by consistently investing in improvements and offering ongoing support. Learn more here.  

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