The competition for consumer travel dollars increased with the announcement that Groupon, a global pioneer in daily deals and Expedia, the world's largest online travel company, have joined forces to create Groupon Getaways with Expedia. The move is called an unprecedented offering that will connect consumers with high quality travel offers and give travel suppliers brand exposure among millions of shoppers.
Groupon Getaways with Expedia says they will offer consumers deeply discounted, highly compelling travel deals from among the more than 135,000 hotels worldwide that work with Expedia. Starting in the US and Canada, with plans to expand to other countries, Expedia and Groupon plan to also include package deals, airline tickets, car rentals, cruises and destination activities.
The deals will follow the proven Groupon model, in which customers have a limited time to buy a discount voucher good for future travel. Discounts will be significant – typically around 50 percent off retail rates found at other online travel sites, Expedia reports. Once a customer purchases a voucher, they can redeem it at a later date of their choice within the redemption period.
“There is no pressure to plan immediately; the dates are flexible. Consumers can sneak away for a weekend, charm a loved one with an anniversary surprise or pragmatically save on the annual family getaway.”
Groupon Getaways with Expedia represents a new and powerful marketing channel for hotels to reach more than 50 million combined Groupon and Expedia members in the US and Canada, many of whom are highly engaged in social media and often share great Groupon deals with their networks, Expedia says. “Participating hotels and other travel suppliers will benefit from unmatched exposure, incremental customers and revenue at their property, and cash up front after the voucher sale closes, all at no cost to participate.”
"Everybody wins with our new partnership with Groupon: Travelers get amazing deals for spontaneous travel to dream destinations; travel suppliers get the ability to reach an enormous audience at no upfront cost to participate; Groupon gets to extend its business into new markets; and we advance our new 'Expedia Everywhere' strategy with a powerful new high growth channel to deliver daily deals," said Scott Durchslag, President, Expedia Worldwide.
"Groupon Getaways with Expedia is a fitting complement to our local deals, helping people get out of the house and explore the world," said Andrew Mason, Chief Executive Officer, Groupon. "We're excited to tap into Expedia's vast network of world-class travel providers, delivering unmatched exposure to them while offering a wonderful service to millions of our subscribers."
Travelers can sign up to begin receiving emails from the channel immediately at www.expedia.com and www.groupon.com/getaways. Groupon Getaways with Expedia is expected to launch in late June.
Groupon, launched in November 2008 in Chicago, features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, eat, see and buy in more than 500 markets around the world. Groupon uses collective buying power to offer low prices and provide a win-win for businesses and consumers. They report delivering more than 900 daily deals globally.
Visit www.Expedia.com.