What Happens in Vegas…Transforms Your Business: Inside Expedia Explore 2024

Expedia Group’s 25th annual partner event in Las Vegas was a whirlwind of innovation, networking, and future-shaping discussions. For hotel commercial, marketing, and distribution teams, the event was a treasure trove of insights and new opportunities. Here’s a rundown of the most exciting learnings from Expedia Explore 2024.

The glittering backdrop of Las Vegas set the stage for a gathering of the brightest minds in the travel industry. Over two days, leaders and experts shared their visions for the future, unveiling a slew of new products and strategies designed to enhance the travel experience and drive business growth.

Unveiling the Future: Expedia’s Spring Product Release

Expedia’s latest product release, highlighted during the event, promises to revolutionize the way hotels connect with travelers. Key innovations include:

1. Enhanced Personalization Tools

   Leveraging AI to deliver more personalized travel recommendations.

   Personalization is the key to winning customer loyalty, and Expedia is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to offer travelers tailored experiences like never before. Enhanced personalization tools analyze user data to understand preferences and behaviors, allowing hotels to offer customized suggestions that resonate with each guest. This might include personalized room recommendations, tailored activity suggestions, and special offers that align with individual interests. By making each interaction more relevant, hotels can significantly increase engagement and satisfaction, ensuring that guests feel valued and understood from the moment they start planning their trip.

   1. Romie: Your New AI Sidekick

      Say hello to Romie, Expedia’s AI assistant ready to revolutionize travel planning. Romie jumps into group chats, offering travel suggestions, summarizing discussions, and building itineraries. Need real-time help? Romie’s got your back, monitoring for disruptions and suggesting alternatives on the fly. This smart assistant makes travel planning a breeze, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty​.

   2. Personal Itinerary Genie

      

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      Expedia’s Personalized Itinerary Builder is like having a personal travel planner in your pocket. This AI-driven tool crafts custom itineraries based on user preferences, recommending activities, restaurants, and more. Launching this summer on the Expedia app, it promises a tailor-made travel experience for every user.

   3. Quick Review Rundowns

      Sifting through reviews is so last year. Thanks to Expedia’s GenAI tech, guest reviews are now neatly summarized, giving potential customers a quick, comprehensive view of your property. This feature streamlines the decision-making process and highlights the best parts of your hotel​.

   4. Price & Destination Face-Off

      

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      Expedia’s enhanced comparison tools make it easier than ever for travelers to pick the perfect trip. Compare flight and hotel prices, check out new destinations, and get all the info you need to make a confident booking. This transparency boosts booking confidence and conversion rates​.

2. Seamless Booking Experience

   Streamlined booking processes that reduce friction and improve customer satisfaction.

   

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   Expedia’s new seamless booking experience aims to eliminate common pain points in the reservation process. By simplifying the booking steps, reducing the number of clicks needed to complete a reservation, and providing clear, concise information, the process becomes more intuitive and user-friendly. This not only enhances the customer experience but also reduces the likelihood of booking abandonment. For hotel operators, this translates to higher conversion rates and improved revenue. Additionally, features such as integrated payment options and real-time availability updates ensure that the booking process is smooth, fast, and hassle-free.

   1. DIY Booking Management

      Goodbye, customer service hold music. Expedia’s new self-service booking management lets travelers handle changes, cancellations, and air credit redemptions directly through the app. This global rollout on Expedia and Hotels.com means happier customers and fewer headaches for hotel staff​.

   2. Power Up Your Distribution

      Expedia’s Optimized Distribution platform is now available to regional chains and independent hotels. Gain control over inventory and pricing, ensure rate integrity, and get actionable insights into your performance. This tool is a game-changer for maximizing revenue and efficiency.

   3. Lockdown on Fraud

      Fraud costs the travel industry billions, but Expedia’s Fraud Prevention as a Service (FPaaS) is here to help. This comprehensive solution screens bookings, reduces unauthorized account access, and cuts chargeback losses, protecting your revenue and reputation.

   4. Loyalty Pays Off

      Expedia’s new advertiser-funded loyalty program lets destination partners fund OneKeyCash™ for travelers booking hotels. This innovative approach encourages repeat bookings and boosts engagement, making it a win-win for partners and travelers alike.

3. Influencer Travel Shops

   Travel influencers, rejoice! Expedia’s Travel Shops feature lets content creators share their recommendations directly on the Expedia app. This platform boosts influencer visibility and earnings while providing travelers with trusted, curated travel advice​.

4. Sustainability Features

   Tools to help travelers make eco-friendly choices, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable travel options.

   Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to travelers, and Expedia’s new tools are designed to help them make environmentally friendly choices. These features include filters for eco-certified hotels, information on a property’s sustainability practices, and the ability to offset carbon emissions directly through the booking platform. By highlighting green options, hotels can attract eco-conscious travelers who prioritize sustainable practices. This not only helps the environment but also enhances the hotel’s brand image as a responsible and forward-thinking entity. For marketing teams, promoting these sustainability features can drive engagement and loyalty among this growing segment of travelers.

Women Leading the Charge: Empowerment in Focus

Expedia Group is setting a powerful example with its “trifecta” of women in leadership roles. Ariane Gorin was recently appointed as CEO, Julie Whalen has been the Chief Financial Officer since 2022, and Rathi Murthy has served as Chief Technology Officer since 2021. This leadership trio underscores Expedia’s commitment to diversity and empowerment, showcasing the significant impact of women in driving innovation and strategic direction in the travel industry .

Additionally, inspiring sessions were led by other female leaders, including Jennifer Andre, Vice President of Business Development, Media Solutions; Michele Rousseau, Senior Vice President of Global Brands and Creative; Reena Patil, Senior Vice President of Partner Product and Marketplace; and Karen Bolda, Senior Vice President of B2B Product and Technology. Their insights and vision are propelling the industry forward.

Bridging the Gap: New Advertising Opportunities

Expedia’s Travel Media Network introduced new opportunities for both endemic and non-endemic brands. This expansion allows hotels to tap into a wider audience, leveraging Expedia’s extensive reach and sophisticated targeting capabilities.

1. Targeted Campaigns

   Innovative advertising solutions to reach specific demographics and traveler types.

   Expedia’s new advertising solutions are designed to help hotels reach their ideal customers more effectively. By leveraging advanced targeting capabilities, hotels can create campaigns that are tailored to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. This means more precise and efficient use of advertising budgets, with higher engagement rates and better ROI. Whether targeting business travelers, families, or adventure seekers, these tools allow hotels to deliver relevant messages that resonate with each audience segment. This targeted approach not only increases the likelihood of booking but also enhances the overall brand experience for travelers.

2. Collaborative Campaigns

   Opportunities for cross-industry partnerships that enhance brand visibility and engagement.

   The introduction of collaborative campaigns opens up new possibilities for hotels to partner with other brands, both within and outside the travel industry. These partnerships can create unique, co-branded experiences that appeal to broader audiences. For example, a hotel might partner with a local attraction or a well-known retail brand to offer exclusive packages. These collaborations can enhance brand visibility and reach, driving more traffic and bookings. By working together, brands can leverage each other’s strengths and audiences, creating a win-win situation that boosts engagement and loyalty on both sides.

Networking Nirvana: Connecting Minds, Creating Opportunities

The event wasn’t just about listening; it was about engaging. From formal sessions to casual meet-ups, the networking opportunities were abundant and invaluable.

1. Roundtable Discussions: Intimate sessions where attendees could dive deep into specific topics and challenges.
2. Social Events: Evening events that combined fun with networking, fostering connections in a relaxed atmosphere.

Wrapping Up the Vegas Vibe

Expedia Explore 2024 was more than an event; it was a catalyst for change, innovation, and connection. For hotel commercial, marketing, and distribution teams, the insights gained and the relationships formed here will be instrumental in navigating the future of travel. As we look ahead, the lessons learned in Las Vegas will undoubtedly guide us toward a more dynamic and prosperous travel landscape.

Ready to implement these learnings in your strategy? Let’s make what happens in Vegas propel your business to new heights!