Expedia Group launched Expedia Powered Technology, a toolkit of technology, marketing and data offerings designed to help hotel partners. Originally introduced as a series of test-and-learns based on feedback from partners, the offerings have evolved into bespoke products for select strategic hotel partners, and reflect Expedia’s increased focus on partner value beyond a sole distribution channel.
“Expedia Powered Technology was born from rethinking how we work with our hotel partners—through listening to their needs, and leveraging our technology as a driver for industry solutions,” Cyril Ranque, president, lodging partner services, said in a statement. “We are working to ensure we can not only provide distribution and new audiences for our partners, but also help solve for other challenges they may have. As we make the shift to strategically focus on needs of evolving business solutions, we are committed to using our resources and technology to create new product offerings that help our partners reach their goals.”
Private label packages: Originally a test-and-learn solution for hotel partners looking to grow their business through the powerful package path, product development for packages has grown to now offer Expedia’s dynamic packaging technology to other multiproperty partners, including Barceló and Vacations by Marriott.
Omni Hotels & Resorts is the latest partner to take advantage of Expedia’s package solution. “Omni Hotels & Resorts is excited to further leverage our marketing partnership with Expedia to bring our guests the option to book their total vacation experiences directly with us,” said Peter Strebel, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of sales for Omni Hotels & Resorts.
Partner loyalty enrollment: Initially tested with Red Lion Hotels Corporation last fall, the technology has advanced to now allow hotel partners to enlist and sign up users from Expedia sites for their brand loyalty programs. This program has grown to include three other chains.
MICE booking technology: The MICE solution is the first tool that truly automates the booking process for meeting organizers and hotels in real time, making requests for proposals a thing of the past. Hotels can increase MICE sales efficiency by integrating the MICE online booking engine on their website, allowing customers to configure and directly book their meeting, including group lodging, online. This technology further enables hoteliers to yield prices for meetings and groups, based on multiple dynamic criteria to increase revenue. The MICE solution is currently live with Best Western Central Europe and the NH Hotel Group in Germany with promising results. A global rollout will begin soon.
TravelAds Direct: Expedia is currently testing more digital marketing opportunities that directly address partner feedback and needs. Last year Expedia began offering TravelAds Direct, a link-off version of its popular pay per click program that puts hotels in front of one of the largest online travel audiences in the world. The link-off sponsored listing product offers a direct click-through to the advertising hotel’s website, resulting in easier price comparison for consumers, and more potential brand touch points, bookings, and loyalty for hotels. Expedia is currently testing more media solutions that directly address partner feedback and needs. For example, when Loews was looking to promote its Cyber Sale, it ran a TravelAds Direct campaign with Expedia Media Solutions during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As a result of the campaign, Loews had an overall return on ad spend of $5.43 for each $1 spent.
Rev+: As part of Expedia PartnerCentral, the company’s partner portal that helps hotels manage their properties and rates, Rev+ is a revenue management tool designed to provide actionable data and insights to empower partners to make smart decisions to optimize their revenue. Rev+, an essential tool for revenue managers, comes at no additional costs for hotel partners, and doesn’t require additional sign-up.
Hotel partners can learn more about Expedia Powered Technology on the Discover EPC website.