Amazon Prime Day is approaching, and this year, the e-commerce giant is making waves in the travel industry. Traditionally, Prime Day has not been associated with travel deals, but this year, Amazon has created a dedicated page for “Prime Day Travel Deals.” The page features well-known brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Southwest Airlines, and Viator. Additionally, car rental companies like Turo, Sixt, and Avis are also taking part in this shopping event.
Many travel brands see the opportunity to sell with Amazon as highly appealing. Amy Martin Ziegenfuss, the chief marketing officer of Carnival Cruise Line, shared that being able to showcase cruise vacations on Prime Day allows them to reach a targeted audience interested in unique experiences. Ziegenfuss highlighted the positive partnership between Amazon and Carnival Cruise Line and the added value it brings to customers of both brands.
Viator, known for its travel experiences marketplace, is equally enthusiastic about the partnership with Amazon. Laurel Greatrix, the vice president of brand and communications for Viator, expressed excitement in offering Amazon Prime Day deals to millions of travelers who shop on Amazon daily. This collaboration with Amazon aligns with Viator’s goal of expanding its distribution channels and reaching travelers where they already shop.
Amazon Travel is providing discounted flights, experiences, and rides to Prime members, such as 30% off base fares with Southwest Airlines and 20% off experiences with Viator. Despite the success of this year’s Prime Day travel deals, it remains uncertain whether Amazon will continue to feature travel products after the event ends. This isn’t the first time Amazon has dabbled in travel promotions, as they collaborated with Priceline last year and partnered with MakeMyTrip in India in 2021.
With its foray into travel deals, Amazon is making a significant impact on the industry. The online retail giant’s ability to attract a large audience and offer diverse travel options positions it as a potential metasearch site for travel services. As Amazon continues to expand its reach and partnerships in the travel sector, it may revolutionize the way travelers search for and book their next adventures.