Expedia News and Updates

Expedia Group is one of the most influential players in online travel, with a portfolio of brands and platforms that shape the digital booking landscape. PhocusWire provides timely, in-depth coverage of Expedia news and updates, including leadership changes, platform innovation, and shifts in its global strategy across lodging, air, and experiences.

The latest developments from Expedia and the OTA market

Track how Expedia is evolving its technology stack, streamlining traveler engagement, and reimagining its marketplace to compete in a rapidly changing OTA environment. Our reporting includes insights on product development, loyalty integration, and strategic partnerships that reflect broader trends in online travel retail.

How the UK differs from the US when engaging with content and booking in travel
News / Technology
How the UK differs from the US when engaging with content and booking in travel
By Nick Vivion | July 1, 2015
The UK is quite different than the US when it comes to engaging with travel content and making bookings, a recent report from Expedia Media Solutions has found. Tablets continue to grow share in th Read More
Expedia joins Booking.com to scale back on hotel rate parity
News / Distribution
Expedia joins Booking.com to scale back on hotel rate parity
By Kevin May | July 1, 2015
Expedia is to axe clauses relating to rate parity in contracts with all its European hotel customers. In what could be seen as another landmark moment in the ongoing rate parity debate in Europe, E Read More
Despite setbacks, Expedia CEO sees a bright future in activities, China and vacation rentals
News / Technology
Despite setbacks, Expedia CEO sees a bright future in activities, China and vacation rentals
By Nick Vivion | June 30, 2015
In a candid one-on-one, Expedia boss Dara Khosrowshahi shared his thoughts on tours and activities, China, vacation rentals and the company's growth with Trivago, Travelocity, and — hopefully soon — O Read More
Ignore the hyperbole: SEO is alive and kicking in travel (even for the small guys)
News / Distribution
Ignore the hyperbole: SEO is alive and kicking in travel (even for the small guys)
By Viewpoints | June 23, 2015
"SEO is dead" is a well-known catchphrase, most commonly heard from newly unemployed spam merchants in bitter reaction to Google’s latest algorithm update. NB: This is an analysis by Matthew Barker Read More
Priceline Group pumps in additional $250 million into Ctrip
News / Distribution
Priceline Group pumps in additional $250 million into Ctrip
By Kevin May | May 26, 2015
Just days after Expedia Inc reduced its focus on China, Priceline Group has injected a quarter of a billion dollars in Ctrip. The $250 million investment comes less than a year after the Booking.co Read More
With Expedia out of the picture, what next for Chinese online travel agencies?
News / Distribution
With Expedia out of the picture, what next for Chinese online travel agencies?
By Viewpoints | May 26, 2015
Following the exit of Expedia as its majority owner, eLong is now set for a new chapter. NB: This is an analysis by Ritesh Gupta, a reporter with ChinaTravelNews. After Expedia’s decision to sel Read More
Expedia sells stake in eLong to Ctrip and others for $671 million
News / Distribution
Expedia sells stake in eLong to Ctrip and others for $671 million
By Kevin May | May 22, 2015
Expedia Inc has offloaded its majority stake in Chinese online travel agency eLong to rival agency Ctrip and a consortium of financial backers. The 62.4% ownership will now belong to Ctrip with Key Read More
Suddenly, flight reviews could be the next big thing
News
Suddenly, flight reviews could be the next big thing
By Kevin May | May 18, 2015
Expedia has been quietly testing out flight reviews for the past 18 months - with results so far illustrating that they could become as important as hotel reviews. It is not an entirely new concept Read More
The fight for hotel bookings - direct vs online travel agencies
News / Distribution
The fight for hotel bookings - direct vs online travel agencies
By Viewpoints | May 15, 2015
If I were to look at the world through the lens of Expedia and Booking.com, I would probably argue that my biggest competitors are not other OTAs or suppliers, but the hotels themselves. NB: This i Read More
Yelp may be up for sale...but who would spend billions to buy it?
News / Distribution
Yelp may be up for sale...but who would spend billions to buy it?
By Nick Vivion | May 11, 2015
The media is devouring the news that Yelp is supposedly on the hunt for a strategic buyer. Triggered by a report in the Wall Street Journal that Yelp is "exploring a sale," the global interest in t Read More
Orbitz increases revenue and room nights, awaits Expedia deal go ahead
News / Distribution
Orbitz increases revenue and room nights, awaits Expedia deal go ahead
By Linda Fox | May 8, 2015
Orbitz has reported increases across room nights, net revenue and gross bookings for the period ended March 31, 2015. As the online travel agency edges closer to being part of Expedia, it no longer Read More
French regulators rule against Expedia in rate parity case [UPDATED]
News / Distribution
French regulators rule against Expedia in rate parity case [UPDATED]
By Sean O'Neil | May 7, 2015
Regulators in Paris have ruled that Expedia Inc hotel contracts dating from 2011 represent a significant imbalance between the hotels and the online travel agency under French commercial law, accordin Read More
Form an orderly queue - corporate travel is on Expedia's shopping list
News / Distribution
Form an orderly queue - corporate travel is on Expedia's shopping list
By Martin Cowen | May 1, 2015
Expedia Inc's 2015 Q1s were better than the market expected, with bosses also offering an update on how, where and when its tranche of recently acquired businesses will fit into the overall picture. Read More
Travel startups: Don't bring a knife to a gunfight
News
Travel startups: Don't bring a knife to a gunfight
By Alex Bainbridge | April 28, 2015
The travel industry has not been very receptive recently to digital travel startups. Yes, articles are written, conference startup pitch invites are received, but generally the incumbents, or digit Read More
Time for a quick glance at who has wound up on Apple Watch
News / Technology
Time for a quick glance at who has wound up on Apple Watch
By Linda Fox | April 28, 2015
As Apple Watch fever takes hold, this is a roundup of news and announcements dedicated to applications for the device from tourism and hospitality for April 23 and 24, 2015. Babbel charting languag Read More
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