Distribution Strategies

Travel agents in the UK will have direct authorised access to Expedia inventory as the online travel company shared its plans to launch its Travel Agencies Affiliate Programme (TAAP) in the UK.

Published: 24 Oct 2008

Travel agents in the UK will have direct authorised access to Expedia inventory as the online travel company shared its plans to launch its Travel Agencies Affiliate Programme (TAAP) in the UK.

Following a successful TAAP in Italy, Expedia has decided to go ahead with the same in the UK.

Mikael Andersson, Expedia's vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: "There are still a significant number of consumers who prefer to book their holiday through a traditional high street shop and TAAP provides the perfect way for us to reach this previously unexplored customer base."

Agents who sign up for the scheme will get access to a password-protected channel on expedia.co.uk from where they can book, and earn commission on, a range of Expedia content. The price shown for a transaction on the agents' site will be identical to the price for the same deal on the consumer site, allowing agents to compete directly on price with Expedia. Agents will earn commission if they use the customer's card or the agency's.

The commission rates are variable, with earnings paid quarterly. Seat-only is not part of the arrangement.

Agents who sign up before the end of 2008 will not be charged and, until March 2009, will be able to earn enhanced commissions. From January a one-off fee of £40 will apply.