Expedia signs "groundbreaking" deal with DRI

Published: 10 Nov 2008

Expedia, Inc. has signed an agreement with vacation ownership company Diamond Resorts International (DRI), covering marketing, distribution and lead generation.

The online travel company Expedia will provide global distribution for DRI resort destination offers on Expedia- and hotels.com-branded sites worldwide; generate leads and qualify travelers interested in DRI vacation ownership; and provide concierge services to guests at DRI resorts.

Expedia highlighted that the deal covers online media, marketing and advertising; distribution for DRI resort properties worldwide; in-destination concierge services and lead generation; Expedia's private label technology to power travel bookings on DRI's own websites; and corporate travel services by Egencia, an Expedia, Inc. company.

DRI will partner with Expedia Media Solutions Group in developing custom interactive media programmes throughout Expedia sites to help generate leads and qualify travelers considering vacation ownership. Several other Expedia business units are also engaged under the deal.

DRI will engage the Expedia Local Expert (ELE) team to operate concierge desks at DRI resorts, starting in Hawaii, Orlando and Las Vegas. ELE concierges will provide DRI guests with face-to-face personalised assistance in booking events, activities, tours, attractions and other services. ELE concierge staff will also help DRI qualify guests interested in learning more about the benefits of vacation ownership.

Also, the global team of hotel relationship managers within Expedia Partner Services Group will provide DRI property managers with strategic distribution and marketing expertise in reaching travellers who visit Expedia to book travel every month. Plus, DRI has selected Expedia Travel Network's World Wide Travel Exchange (WWTE) technology to power travel bookings on its own sites and Egencia to provide full-service travel management to DRI employees worldwide.

Comments

Post new comment

Upcoming Conferences & Reports

Social Media Strategies for Travel 2010

March 24-25, San Francisco

Now in its 3rd successful year this is the only event to be focused 100% on the profitable application of social media in the travel industry. Find out how to drive maximum return on your social media initiatives - we guarantee no stone will be left unturned!

European Online Travel Report 3rd Edition

2009-2010

This comprehensive report will help you understand the incredibly complex European online travel market and allow you to pinpoint specific growth opportunities for your travel company.

Sales Management in Travel and Hospitality

17-18 June 2010

As the travel consumer continues to demand more, sales teams need to perform to higher expectations than ever. This two day industry conference will provide all the necessary ingredients to learn how to thrive by using the latest technology, communications, strategies and motivational techniques, along with advice on hiring, training and working with other sectors within the company to improve sales.

Travel Distribution Summit Asia 2010

April 28 - 29th, 2010

Asia's trusted meeting place for all travel distribution, marketing/sales and revenue professionals.

Travel Distribution Summit Europe 2010

17-18 June 2010

Taking the 4 cornerstones of travel commerce and placing them under one roof. Over the last 12 years, this event has consistently addressed the key issues facing the people who market, distribute, price and sell travel. It's also the best place to meet the partners and make the deals that will ensure your company becomes, or remains, an industry success story.

Online Marketing Strategies for Travel 2010

1st Week June, Miami

A must-attend event for all travel marketers. Hear real life case studies from top travel brands who have used powerful, innovative marketing strategies to boost travel sales – even when times are tough.

Online Marketing & Social Media Strategies for Travel Summit 2010

5-6 October, Andels Hotel, Prague

Formerly known as the Sales & Marketing in Travel Summit, this well established event examines key strategies to engage customers in the new media landscape. Join top travel brands who’ll share insightful case studies, best practices and ideas!

Travel Distribution Summit North America

13-14 October, 2010 - Chicago

Now in it’s 12th successful year, this is THE travel industry event where the North American online travel industry meets to network, share fresh industry knowledge and learn profitable new strategies.

Travel Distribution In-house Research and Training

Available Now

Access video footage from the world’s biggest meeting of online travel and travel distribution execs. Includes more than 50 conference talks, slides and panel debates. Topics covered include online travel strategies, revenue management and ancillary revenue.