Coronavirus: Expedia Partner Solutions offers agent partners a silver lining to kick-start recovery

Coronavirus: Expedia Partner Solutions offers agent partners a silver lining to kick-start recovery

Fast track incentives offers affiliate programme agents chance to earn up to 42% more revenue

Travel agents in the Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) are being offered a fast track to increasing their earnings with the OTA’s trade brand.

Expedia Partner Solutions (EPS) says a new incentive scheme will support and kickstart the revival of the sector amid early signs of recovery.

Agents in the UK are being offer an opportunity to fast-tracking their membership to Silver tier and in doing so unlock higher commissions.

The scheme is available to both existing Expedia TAAP partners that haven’t used Expedia TAAP for some time, and new sign-ups.

Expedia TAAP operates four tiers – Standard, Silver, Gold and Platinum- and agents work their way up the tiers accessing greater benefits as they grow.

Under the new scheme, any agency based in the UK joining Expedia TAAP, as well as existing partners that haven’t used the tool for over 12 months, will automatically be enrolled as a Silver partner for the rest of the year.

In addition Expedia TAAP will offer these agents an additional revenue boost for all accommodation bookings that clients retain and do not cancel.

Expedia said the incentive enables agents to earn up to 42% more in revenue and unlock package rates for the travellers they serve.

These rates offer an average 20% discount on accommodation bookings when combined with a transport component, the firm said.

EPS announced it is increasing the number of Premium Plus properties by 30%. These properties typically offer higher returns for agents.

Alfonso Paredes, senior vice president, commercial partnerships at EPS, said: “Cooperation is more important than ever to get our industry back on its feet after coronavirus.

“It’s vital that as we start to see green shoots of recovery in the UK, travel providers give their partners the tools they need to maximize revenue and instill confidence in booking travel, be that domestic or international.

“Through our Expedia TAAP incentive program, any agency in the UK – whether they are already working with us or not – can respond quickly to this rising demand with competitive rates and varied supply.”

Expedia TAAP, provides access to the group’s 700,000 accommodation options and flights from over 500 airlines.
Nearly 70% of accommodation rates on Expedia TAAP are refundable, which Expedia says gives travellers peace of mind when making their booking.

Expedia TAAP said it will be introducing more ‘traveller safety’ features soon including information on whether properties offer contactless check-in and check-out, whether hand sanitizer is available to guests and enhanced cleaning measures.