As the world’s leading traveler technology platform, Expedia Group connects businesses big and small to the universe of travel through access to data, tools, technology – and hundreds of millions of global travelers.
By listing your property on Expedia, you get unrivalled distribution and exposure on their many high-profile brands such as Hotels.com, Trivago and ebookers. All these sites are supported by extensive advertising on TV, in the press, and online, and have earned loyal followings by guiding prospective travelers to the right booking locations and properties. Featuring on Expedia also gives you access to an international affiliate network.
From the recent Expedia Traveller Value Index study, 43% of consumers say their travel budget will be larger than last year, * so there is ample opportunity to grasp those travelers ready to book and spend. But what can you do to ensure you maintain your visibility and competitiveness across the Expedia Group? Here are some top tips for success.
Pricing and promotions
Expedia offers various mechanisms to target specific users, namely:
- Deals for those committing to making early bookings.
- Mobile deals for those searching on their mobile and/or tablet devices.
- ‘Member Only’ deals, targeted at those guests who are loyal to booking on their sites.
Expedia data suggests these promos are particularly attractive to guests; 33% of guests are actively looking for discounts on bookings made 4-12 weeks in advance, and 21% look for value on reservations made through a mobile app.*
You can use the powerful promo tools in eviivo Suite to quickly publish these offers specifically for Expedia. Easily add a mobile promotion in your eviivo Suite when you navigate to Rates > Promos > Add Promo.
Refundable and flexible policies
The ability to get a full refund within a reasonable time before arrival gives travelers increased confidence to book with you – and extra peace of mind in case their plans change.
Over half of travelers who responded to a recent Expedia Group survey said they would not book non-refundable accommodation, even if it was discounted. For this reason, having rate plans that incorporate a period when travelers can cancel for free is paramount.
Open availability…for this year and next
Having your best availability on Expedia allows them to sell you, which makes sure you are placed in front of the widest possible audience.
eviivo Suite pushes availability to the online travel agencies for a rolling 2 years’ ahead, so make sure that you are ‘available’ to capture those future bookings early. Expedia will do their part to reward you with bookings for offering your best availability online.
Great content: Let your photos tell and sell
Images really do matter. Travelers report needing an average of nine photos to decide if they’re interested in staying at a property.**
Whether they be your bedrooms, public spaces, food and drink options, or great local views, a variety of photos really help set the scene for guests when they are considering booking your place. Don’t skip the bathroom – it’s one of the most desired photos for 61% of travelers!**
Be sure to review the quality and quantity of the images you upload to your eviivo Suite, as they are automatically sent to Expedia. In addition, it’s always a good idea to search for your property on Expedia and make sure the photos listed are an accurate and positive presentation of what you offer. If not, then take the time to review and renew.
Pricing, policies, availability, and photos: Making time to assess these areas will really help to boost your business on Expedia.
*Source – Expedia Group – Traveler Value Index 2023
**Source – Expedia Group Research, 2020