Latest news with #TAAP
Gulf Business
18-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Expedia Group's Rob Torres on the company's growing focus on the Middle East
Image: Supplied At the 2025 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Expedia Group unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at deepening its presence in the Middle East. From the launch of its Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) in the UAE to expanded partnerships with Emirates and Adeera, the global travel platform is doubling down on technology, B2B solutions, and destination marketing to fuel regional tourism growth. We spoke with Rob Torres, SVP of What did Expedia Group showcase at this year's Arabian Travel Market (ATM)? At ATM, we showcased a range of initiatives reflecting our growing commitment to the Middle East, particularly in the UAE. Our focus was on expanding our advertising business, strengthening partnerships with tourism boards, and launching key B2B programs like the Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP). This forms part of our Private Label Solutions and is a powerful tool designed to support the region's traditional travel agents with access to Expedia's global inventory. Tell us more about the launch of the Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP). Yes, TAAP officially launched this week in the UAE. It's a dedicated platform that enables local travel agents to earn commission on the total booking value. With intuitive tools and marketing support, agents can now book more efficiently and expand their reach. This is particularly important in a market where traditional, brick-and-mortar agencies still play a significant role in travel bookings. What travel trends did you highlight during ATM discussions? One of the strongest trends is the influence of social media in destination selection. According to our latest survey, 63 per cent of respondents said they consult social channels when deciding where to travel. Our advice to destinations is clear: use storytelling, influencers, and dynamic content to highlight the unique local experiences that make your destination worth visiting. How does Expedia support agents and customers in a region where booking habits differ from Western markets? Simplicity and flexibility are key. Many people may complete bookings offline but conduct research online first. We support both through rich content and seamless tech. Whether it's through TAAP or our online platforms, we want to ensure the right content reaches the right audience — when, where, and how they need it. The end goal is always to inspire travel, regardless of the booking channel. Tell us about your recent airline and hospitality partnerships in the region. We've deepened our long-standing relationship with Emirates through New Distribution Capability (NDC) integration, allowing us to offer travellers dynamic fares, ancillaries, and personalised options on our platforms. On the hospitality side, we're collaborating with Adeera, a Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed company. Through our B2B platform, we're helping them distribute hotel rates for upcoming properties across Saudi Arabia. These partnerships enable us to provide better packaging, flight + hotel bundles, and flexibility to travellers. What are some of Expedia's advertising initiatives in the Middle East? Our travel media network, Expedia Group Media Solutions, has launched several impactful campaigns in the region. For example, 'Sunshine Pass' with Experience Abu Dhabi highlights year-round experiences and is running in 13 global markets. We're also working with Visit Oman, integrating local tour providers and launching a campaign targeting the US, UK, and Middle East markets. And in Jordan, our 'Super Supper Club' campaign celebrates culinary tourism and has already driven a 9 per cent increase in demand and 17 per cent growth in gross revenue. What kind of global interest are you seeing in Middle East travel destinations? Interest is very strong. Dubai has become both a stopover hub and a standalone destination, with growing demand from North America in particular. We've also seen increased outbound travel from the UAE to the US and beyond. Across the board, search interest for the region is up year on year, showing sustained global appetite for Middle East destinations. What's Expedia's strategic outlook for the Middle East in 2024 and beyond? We're doubling down on partnerships, onboarding more hotels, and scaling our Arabic-language websites for the UAE and Saudi Arabia to enhance user experience. We're also expanding our advertising footprint and building integrated campaigns across channels to promote travel to the region. Technology is central — whether it's mobile price tracking or packaged deals, we're building smarter, more localised experiences. How is AI expected to transform the travel experience? AI will dramatically enhance personalisation. It allows us to use data more effectively to tailor offers and recommendations to each user. This means more relevant content, better planning tools, and increased conversion. Ultimately, it's going to inspire more people to travel because the experiences presented to them will be more aligned with their preferences. This was your first time attending ATM. How was the experience? It was fantastic. The energy was palpable. I've heard from past attendees that this year felt even bigger and more productive. Conversations weren't just exploratory — they were about actual implementation and collaboration. What's exciting is seeing regional destinations working together. Any final thoughts? The Middle East is a strategic growth region for us. We're committed to empowering our partners — through tech, tools, content, and global reach — to connect with millions of travellers. We see our role as an enabler of growth, helping partners unlock new revenue and build stronger travel ecosystems.
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Expedia Group expands in Mideast with new partnerships
Expedia Group has announced strategic travel partnerships to expand its presence in the Middle East, including advertising, technology, and supply partnerships. The company's Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP) is launching in the UAE, providing travel agents with access to Expedia's vast travel inventory and a seamless booking experience. This will enable travel agents to boost their earnings and grow their business with user-friendly tools and marketing materials. Expedia Group Media Solutions, the world's travel media network, offers travel partners, brands, and Destination Marketing Organisations targeted solutions to reach, engage, and convert hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide through innovative advertising products. New partnerships include Experience Abu Dhabi, which showcases Abu Dhabi's beautiful weather, rich heritage, contemporary attractions, and incredible culture through a microsite named Sunshine Pass. Visit Oman integrates local tours and activities providers onto Expedia Group's platform using API technology and creates a global digital marketing campaign targeting US, UK, and Middle Eastern travelers. Jordan Tourism taps into Expedia Group's rich social influencer network to highlight Jordan's wonders on social media, resulting in a 9 per cent increase in demand and 17 per cent increase in gross revenue. Expedia Group also announced new technology partnerships with leading airlines and hotels, enabling Middle Eastern partners to capture more market share and gain visibility to Expedia Group's global traveler base. Adeera, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company set to be Saudi Arabia's national hospitality champion, has signed a strategic partnership with Expedia Group, joining their B2B distribution rates programme. The partnership will enhance Adeera's ability to manage B2B rate distribution for their upcoming hotels in Saudi Arabia while tapping into Expedia Group's extensive global reach and trusted network of B2B partners. Lastly, Expedia Group has expanded its long-standing partnership with Emirates by fully integrating its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API on Expedia Group brands. This technology enables Expedia Group to offer Emirates' NDC fares, products, and ancillary services, ultimately improving the traveler flight booking experience. 'We're excited to collaborate with key players in the Middle East travel industry," said Rob Torres, Senior Vice President, Expedia Group Media Solutions. "By combining innovative technology solutions, an expanding travel agent network, and impactful advertising partnerships, we're helping travel partners in the region extend their reach, enhance the traveler experience, and showcase their destinations to a global audience. We're proud to support our partners in driving growth and delivering meaningful results in this important region.'
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Expedia Group expands presence in the Middle East through new travel partnerships
Dubai, UAE — Expedia Group today announced a series of strategic travel partnerships aimed at expanding its footprint to additional markets in the Middle East, spanning advertising, technology and supply partnerships, alongside the launch of its travel agent program, Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), part of the company's B2B network, into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The partnerships underscore the company's commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to its global traveler audience, increasing their visibility, and driving incremental revenue growth. Expanding the Travel Agent Footprint in the UAE Expedia TAAP – part of the company's B2B network, Private Label Solutions – is launching in the UAE, unlocking its intuitive booking platform for travel agents in the Middle East region to meet the rising demand in the region. Expedia TAAP empowers travel agents to boost their earnings with access to its vast travel inventory and a seamless booking experience. Travel agents earn commission on total booking value and grow their business with user friendly tools, marketing materials, and more. Other areas of Expedia Group's B2B network have operated in the Middle East for more than 10 years with key partnerships including Rezlive, Halalbooking and Blackrock Technologies. Advertising the Middle East to a Global Audience Expedia Group Media Solutions, the world's travel media network, provides travel partners, brands and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) with targeted solutions to reach, engage, and convert hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide through innovative advertising products. For partners in the Middle East, the media network offers a powerful platform to connect with travelers through compelling content wherever they plan and book their journeys. With industry-leading measurement and reporting tools, advertisers can optimize campaigns and maximize impact. New partnerships include: Experience Abu Dhabi: In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Expedia Group's in-house creative team, E Studio, built content to showcase the emirate's beautiful weather, rich heritage, contemporary attractions and incredible culture. Anchored in a microsite named Sunshine Pass, the year-long campaign highlights why summer in Abu Dhabi offers a world of experiences. Running across Expedia Group sites, social media channels and other digital platforms, the content targets travelers across 13 markets. Visit Oman: This collaboration includes integrating local tours and activities providers onto Expedia Group's platform using API technology and creating a global digital marketing campaign targeting US, UK and Middle Eastern travelers. The April to September 2025 campaign highlights Oman's diverse and authentic travel offerings in the summer and fall. Jordan Tourism: Jordan Tourism taps into Expedia Group's rich social influencer network, partnering with influencers in the US, UK and Italy to spotlight Jordan's wonders - from Petra to Aqaba – on social media. E Studio created engaging, shoppable content through a Super Supper Club series, highlighting Jordan's culinary wonders to US and UK audiences on a dedicated microsite. Overall, demand grew by 9% and gross revenue by 17%. Giving Partners More Control Through Travel Technology Expedia Group also announced new technology partnerships with leading airlines and hotels, enabling its Middle Eastern partners to capture more market share and gain visibility to Expedia Group's global traveler base: Adeera: a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and set to be Saudi Arabia's national hospitality champion, has signed a strategic partnership with Expedia Group, joining their B2B distribution rates program. The partnership will enhance Adeera's ability to manage B2B rate distribution for their upcoming hotels in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia while tapping into Expedia Group's extensive global reach and trusted network of B2B partners. Emirates: Expedia Group has expanded its long-standing partnership with the airline through a full integration of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API on Expedia Group brands. The technology enables Expedia Group to offer Emirates' NDC fares, products, and ancillary services, along with other improved features and flexibility in booking journeys, ultimately improving the traveler flight booking experience. 'We're excited to collaborate with key players in the Middle East travel industry," said Rob Torres, Senior Vice President, Expedia Group Media Solutions. "By combining innovative technology solutions, an expanding travel agent network, and impactful advertising partnerships, we're helping travel partners in the region extend their reach, enhance the traveler experience, and showcase their destinations to a global audience. We're proud to support our partners in driving growth and delivering meaningful results in this important region.' Expedia Group also continues to invest in the traveler experience in the region, now offering packages (flight + hotel) on the Expedia UAE and Saudi Arabia points of sale to help travelers enjoy the best traveler experience and also save both time and money. Expedia's proprietary flight price tracking tool is also now available on the Expedia app. Taking the guess work out of deciding when to book, the feature notifies travelers when flight prices change and uses data to help travelers decide when to book. Additionally, an Arabic-language version of the UAE and Saudi Arabia sites will soon be available to enhance the traveler booking experience. Learn more about partnering with Expedia Group here. About Expedia Group Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, Expedia Group™ helps people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. They provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. The Expedia Group family of brands includes Expedia®, Expedia® Partner Solutions, Vrbo®, trivago®, Orbitz®, Travelocity®, Hotwire®, Wotif®, ebookers®, CheapTickets®, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, and Expedia Cruises™. © 2025 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia Group and the Expedia Group logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST: 2029030-50. For more information, visit Follow Expedia Group on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Follow Expedia on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, X and YouTube. Follow Vrbo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and X. Follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. For more information, please contact ExpediaUAE@
Mid East Info
24-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Expedia Group Expands Presence in the Middle East Through New Travel Partnerships - Middle East Business News and Information
New and Expanded Partnerships Announced Across Advertising, Travel Technology, Supply and Travel Agents SEATTLE: Expedia Group today announced a series of strategic travel partnerships aimed at expanding its footprint to additional markets in the Middle East, spanning advertising, technology and supply partnerships, alongside the launch of its travel agent program, Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), part of the company's B2B network, into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The partnerships underscore the company's commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to its global traveler audience, increasing their visibility, and driving incremental revenue growth. Expanding the Travel Agent Footprint in the UAE Expedia TAAP – part of the company's B2B network, Private Label Solutions – is launching in the UAE, unlocking its intuitive booking platform for travel agents in the Middle East region to meet the rising demand in the region. Expedia TAAP empowers travel agents to boost their earnings with access to its vast travel inventory and a seamless booking experience. Travel agents earn commission on total booking value and grow their business with user friendly tools, marketing materials, and more. Other areas of Expedia Group's B2B network have operated in the Middle East for more than 10 years with key partnerships including Rezlive, Halalbooking and Blackrock Technologies. Advertising the Middle East to a Global Audience Expedia Group Media Solutions, the world's travel media network, provides travel partners, brands and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) with targeted solutions to reach, engage, and convert hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide through innovative advertising products. For partners in the Middle East, the media network offers a powerful platform to connect with travelers through compelling content wherever they plan and book their journeys. With industry-leading measurement and reporting tools, advertisers can optimize campaigns and maximize impact. New partnerships include: Experience Abu Dhabi : In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Expedia Group's in-house creative team, E Studio, built content to showcase the emirate's beautiful weather, rich heritage, contemporary attractions and incredible culture. Anchored in a microsite named Sunshine Pass, the year-long campaign highlights why summer in Abu Dhabi offers a world of experiences. Running across Expedia Group sites, social media channels and other digital platforms, the content targets travelers across 13 markets. : In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Expedia Group's in-house creative team, E Studio, built content to showcase the emirate's beautiful weather, rich heritage, contemporary attractions and incredible culture. Anchored in a microsite named Sunshine Pass, the year-long campaign highlights why summer in Abu Dhabi offers a world of experiences. Running across Expedia Group sites, social media channels and other digital platforms, the content targets travelers across 13 markets. Visit Oman: This collaboration includes integrating local tours and activities providers onto Expedia Group's platform using API technology and creating a global digital marketing campaign targeting US, UK and Middle Eastern travelers. The April to September 2025 campaign highlights Oman's diverse and authentic travel offerings in the summer and fall. This collaboration includes integrating local tours and activities providers onto Expedia Group's platform using API technology and creating a global digital marketing campaign targeting US, UK and Middle Eastern travelers. The April to September 2025 campaign highlights Oman's diverse and authentic travel offerings in the summer and fall. Jordan Tourism: Jordan Tourism taps into Expedia Group's rich social influencer network, partnering with influencers in the US, UK and Italy to spotlight Jordan's wonders – from Petra to Aqaba – on social media. E Studio created engaging, shoppable content through a Super Supper Club series, highlighting Jordan's culinary wonders to US and UK audiences on a dedicated microsite. Overall, demand grew by 9% and gross revenue by 17%. Giving Partners More Control Through Travel Technology Expedia Group also announced new technology partnerships with leading airlines and hotels, enabling its Middle Eastern partners to capture more market share and gain visibility to Expedia Group's global traveler base: Adeera : a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and set to be Saudi Arabia's national hospitality champion, has signed a strategic partnership with Expedia Group, joining their B2B distribution rates program. The partnership will enhance Adeera's ability to manage B2B rate distribution for their upcoming hotels in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia while tapping into Expedia Group's extensive global reach and trusted network of B2B partners. : a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and set to be Saudi Arabia's national hospitality champion, has signed a strategic partnership with Expedia Group, joining their B2B distribution rates program. The partnership will enhance Adeera's ability to manage B2B rate distribution for their upcoming hotels in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia while tapping into Expedia Group's extensive global reach and trusted network of B2B partners. Emirates: Expedia Group has expanded its long-standing partnership with the airline through a full integration of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API on Expedia Group brands. The technology enables Expedia Group to offer Emirates' NDC fares, products, and ancillary services, along with other improved features and flexibility in booking journeys, ultimately improving the traveler flight booking experience. 'We're excited to collaborate with key players in the Middle East travel industry,' said Rob Torres, Senior Vice President, Expedia Group Media Solutions. 'By combining innovative technology solutions, an expanding travel agent network, and impactful advertising partnerships, we're helping travel partners in the region extend their reach, enhance the traveler experience, and showcase their destinations to a global audience. We're proud to support our partners in driving growth and delivering meaningful results in this important region.' Expedia Group also continues to invest in the traveler experience in the region, now offering packages (flight + hotel) on the Expedia UAE and Saudi Arabia points of sale to help travelers enjoy the best traveler experience and also save both time and money. Expedia's proprietary flight price tracking tool is also now available on the Expedia app. Taking the guess work out of deciding when to book, the feature notifies travelers when flight prices change and uses data to help travelers decide when to book. Additionally, an Arabic-language version of the UAE and Saudi Arabia sites will soon be available to enhance the traveler booking experience.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Expedia Group Expands Presence in the Middle East Through New Travel Partnerships
New and Expanded Partnerships Announced Across Advertising, Travel Technology, Supply and Travel Agents SEATTLE, April 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Expedia Group today announced a series of strategic travel partnerships aimed at expanding its footprint to additional markets in the Middle East, spanning advertising, technology and supply partnerships, alongside the launch of its travel agent program, Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), part of the company's B2B network, into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The partnerships underscore the company's commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to its global traveler audience, increasing their visibility, and driving incremental revenue growth. Expanding the Travel Agent Footprint in the UAE Expedia TAAP – part of the company's B2B network, Private Label Solutions – is launching in the UAE, unlocking its intuitive booking platform for travel agents in the Middle East region to meet the rising demand in the region. Expedia TAAP empowers travel agents to boost their earnings with access to its vast travel inventory and a seamless booking experience. Travel agents earn commission on total booking value and grow their business with user friendly tools, marketing materials, and more. Other areas of Expedia Group's B2B network have operated in the Middle East for more than 10 years with key partnerships including Rezlive, Halalbooking and Blackrock Technologies. Advertising the Middle East to a Global Audience Expedia Group Media Solutions, the world's travel media network, provides travel partners, brands and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) with targeted solutions to reach, engage, and convert hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide through innovative advertising products. For partners in the Middle East, the media network offers a powerful platform to connect with travelers through compelling content wherever they plan and book their journeys. With industry-leading measurement and reporting tools, advertisers can optimize campaigns and maximize impact. New partnerships include: Experience Abu Dhabi: In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Expedia Group's in-house creative team, E Studio, built content to showcase the emirate's beautiful weather, rich heritage, contemporary attractions and incredible culture. Anchored in a microsite named Sunshine Pass, the year-long campaign highlights why summer in Abu Dhabi offers a world of experiences. Running across Expedia Group sites, social media channels and other digital platforms, the content targets travelers across 13 markets. Visit Oman: This collaboration includes integrating local tours and activities providers onto Expedia Group's platform using API technology and creating a global digital marketing campaign targeting US, UK and Middle Eastern travelers. The April to September 2025 campaign highlights Oman's diverse and authentic travel offerings in the summer and fall. Jordan Tourism: Jordan Tourism taps into Expedia Group's rich social influencer network, partnering with influencers in the US, UK and Italy to spotlight Jordan's wonders - from Petra to Aqaba – on social media. E Studio created engaging, shoppable content through a Super Supper Club series, highlighting Jordan's culinary wonders to US and UK audiences on a dedicated microsite. Overall, demand grew by 9% and gross revenue by 17%. Giving Partners More Control Through Travel Technology Expedia Group also announced new technology partnerships with leading airlines and hotels, enabling its Middle Eastern partners to capture more market share and gain visibility to Expedia Group's global traveler base: Adeera: a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and set to be Saudi Arabia's national hospitality champion, has signed a strategic partnership with Expedia Group, joining their B2B distribution rates program. The partnership will enhance Adeera's ability to manage B2B rate distribution for their upcoming hotels in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia while tapping into Expedia Group's extensive global reach and trusted network of B2B partners. Emirates: Expedia Group has expanded its long-standing partnership with the airline through a full integration of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API on Expedia Group brands. The technology enables Expedia Group to offer Emirates' NDC fares, products, and ancillary services, along with other improved features and flexibility in booking journeys, ultimately improving the traveler flight booking experience. "We're excited to collaborate with key players in the Middle East travel industry," said Rob Torres, Senior Vice President, Expedia Group Media Solutions. "By combining innovative technology solutions, an expanding travel agent network, and impactful advertising partnerships, we're helping travel partners in the region extend their reach, enhance the traveler experience, and showcase their destinations to a global audience. We're proud to support our partners in driving growth and delivering meaningful results in this important region." Expedia Group also continues to invest in the traveler experience in the region, now offering packages (flight + hotel) on the Expedia UAE and Saudi Arabia points of sale to help travelers enjoy the best traveler experience and also save both time and money. Expedia's proprietary flight price tracking tool is also now available on the Expedia app. Taking the guess work out of deciding when to book, the feature notifies travelers when flight prices change and uses data to help travelers decide when to book. Additionally, an Arabic-language version of the UAE and Saudi Arabia sites will soon be available to enhance the traveler booking experience. Learn more about partnering with Expedia Group here. About Expedia Group Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, Expedia Group™ helps people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. They provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. The Expedia Group family of brands includes Expedia®, Expedia® Partner Solutions, Vrbo®, trivago®, Orbitz®, Travelocity®, Hotwire®, Wotif®, ebookers®, CheapTickets®, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, and Expedia Cruises™. © 2025 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia Group and the Expedia Group logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST: 2029030-50. For more information, visit Follow Expedia Group on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Follow Expedia on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, X and YouTube. Follow Vrbo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and X. Follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. View source version on Contacts For more information, please contact ExpediaUAE@ Sign in to access your portfolio
