In celebration of Global Travel Advisor Day, Expedia Group is hosting a series of 16 events throughout the month of May for members of Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP). This initiative aims to update travel advisors on the latest features and enhancements within the program, highlighting the critical importance of this channel for Expedia according to Robin Lawther, the vice president of TAAP.
Traditionally, TAAP has organized events sporadically throughout the year. However, this year, Expedia has decided to consolidate these events around Global Travel Advisor Day to provide a more focused and impactful experience for travel advisors. These events will take place in various locations including the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, and Italy, offering a range of activities from lunches to cinema nights.
One of the key updates that will be provided during these events is the introduction of the deferred-payments feature within TAAP. This feature, which was initially launched in the U.S. last year, is now available globally, allowing agencies to pay closer to the check-in date, providing greater flexibility for their clients. Additionally, the TAAP Rewards program, which rewards agencies with points for lodging bookings, is expanding into Canada and Mexico after experiencing significant adoption in the U.S.
One of the most anticipated features that will be introduced in early July is the ability for agencies to add service fees on top of bookings. This feature, requested by many advisors, will allow agencies to charge additional fees to customers, providing them with an additional revenue stream. Moreover, there will be significant changes around reporting, with the introduction of a new API to streamline integration into different accounting and inventory management systems used by advisors.
Looking ahead, Expedia is also working on a new shopping experience within TAAP that will be released after additional features and functionalities are incorporated. This new experience aims to enhance the overall booking process for both advisors and clients, providing a more seamless and efficient way to plan and manage travel arrangements.
Expedia Group’s commitment to celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day with exclusive events for members of TAAP underscores the company’s dedication to supporting and empowering travel advisors. By continuously introducing new features and enhancements, Expedia aims to strengthen its partnership with travel agencies and provide a more rewarding and beneficial experience for all parties involved.
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