The Expedia group has announced a new partnership with Marriott International, Inc. which integrates Expedia’s technology to power Marriott’s own dynamic packaging platform “Vacations by Marriott” on Marriott.com in the United States. Expedia fosters a test and learn environment that allows the company to leverage its technology to identify and test new products that meet partner business goals, while also adapting to changes in the marketplace.
A strategic initiative that has been in development for months, Marriott has, as of September 1st, integrated Expedia’s best-in-class dynamic packaging technology into the Vacations by Marriott Hotel & Flight Packages product with its world-class selection of air inventory, tours, attractions and ground transportation options accessible on Marriott.com. Travellers accessing Marriott.com to book a hotel can now also combine their accommodations with a flight booking from the more than 475 Expedia airline partners. Package bookings typically have twice the length of stay, twice the booking window, and half the cancellation rate of a standalone hotel-only booking, making them an attractive source of incremental demand for owners.
“We believe there is considerable untapped opportunity between our two companies to drive value to hotel owners and travellers alike by strengthening our Vacations by Marriott’s offering,” said Arne M. Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International. “We are thrilled to launch this new product with Expedia’s technology, and to explore new areas of partnership beyond our existing distribution relationship.”
“We’re going through an exciting period where we are evolving how we think about our business, and especially how we think about and work with our partners,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of the Expedia group. “Our investments in technology, marketing and data analysis help us to better serve partners and travellers around the world, and enable us to move our value beyond distribution, for the benefit of our partners. We’re excited about the Marriott collaboration, which is born out of our test and learn philosophy, and is testament to the strength of our partnership.”
