Expedia Group is commemorating Global Travel Advisor Day by hosting a series of events in May for members of Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program. This initiative comes as part of the efforts to continuously update travel advisors on new features and improvements. The Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) has been established for about 15 years, but recent years have seen a significant increase in focus, time, and resources being invested in this program.
In previous years, TAAP conducted events sporadically throughout the year. However, this year, there is a unified approach with the events being centered around Travel Advisor Day. The events will take place in various locations including the U.S. (Dallas, Arizona, and more upcoming), Mexico, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, and Italy. Each event will offer a unique experience, ranging from lunches to cinema nights, but the common theme will be providing important TAAP updates to attending advisors.
Among the updates that will be shared with advisors are enhancements to TAAP’s deferred-payments feature and the expansion of the TAAP Rewards program internationally. The deferred payments feature, which was initially launched in the U.S. last year, is now available globally. This feature allows agencies to delay payments closer to the check-in date, offering more flexibility to their clients. Additionally, the TAAP Rewards program, which rewards lodging bookings with redeemable points, will now be extended to Canada and Mexico.
A new feature that has generated considerable excitement among advisors is the ability to add service fees to bookings. This feature, which will be launched in early July, will allow agencies to include a fee on top of the commission earned from bookings. This flexibility is particularly valuable in the U.S. market where it has been highly requested by advisors. Furthermore, there will be improvements in reporting with a new API that will seamlessly integrate into various accounting and inventory management systems used by advisors.
In addition to the current updates, TAAP is also working on a new shopping experience that will be introduced once additional features and functionalities are incorporated. This innovative approach aims to enhance the overall experience for both travel advisors and their clients. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, Expedia Group remains dedicated to supporting and empowering travel advisors through the Travel Agent Affiliate Program.
Overall, Expedia Group’s initiative to celebrate Global Travel Advisor Day and provide critical updates and enhancements to the Travel Agent Affiliate Program demonstrates a strong commitment to the travel advisor community. By listening to feedback, introducing new features, and expanding programs internationally, Expedia Group is positioning itself as a valuable partner for travel advisors worldwide.