Expedia Group Grows Optimized Distribution for Lodging Partners

SEATTLE—Expedia Group has rolled out its optimized distribution program for all medium to large-size lodging partners, allowing them to tap into new areas of B2B demand and giving them increased control of their B2B rates, availability and content across a network of global travel providers. Multiple lodging partners, including Highgate and Club Quarters, have signed on to date.

Expedia Group’s optimized distribution program is designed to meet the ongoing needs of its larger lodging partners with the capability to load a large volume of rates to its platform. As hotels look to recover from COVID-19, this solution, provided by Expedia Group’s B2B arm, Expedia Partner Solutions, will enable them to scale their business, market by market, more efficiently and effectively, according to the company.

“Our technology solutions are always rooted in partner needs,” said Christian Gerron, SVP of enterprise solutions, Expedia Partner Solutions, Expedia Group. “We are constantly hearing that the lack of control and ineffective yield management with B2B distribution is a major pain point for partners, and we knew our ability to innovate and solve complex technology issues can, and has, effectively addressed this market need.”

Partners can load B2B rates directly into Expedia Group, which will flow through to third-party providers, to increase their distribution reach, demand and incremental bookings during- and post-COVID-19 recovery. Properties can also benefit from access to 100,000-plus travel agents and more than 1,000 API and template partners that combined reach millions of travelers in every part of the globe.

With easy implementation, partners new to the wholesale segment, as well as those with an already established B2B strategy, can reduce the overall cost, complexity and consumer issues associated with the current redistribution marketplace, such as inaccurate or misleading rates and content, according to the company. Control of rate distribution can also greatly improve the metasearch marketplace for partners facing rate parity challenges with third parties, the company reports.

“As a hotel management company, we’re always looking at solutions that make our business more efficient and effective, and have lasting power,” said Ankur Randev, chief commercial officer, Highgate. “We have partnered with Expedia Group for our wholesale distribution because we trust them to safeguard our rates and brand while simplifying our B2B offering and reach.”

In the fall of 2019, Marriott partnered with Expedia Group for the launch of a single gateway for the redistribution of Marriott’s wholesale inventory. This solution eliminated the complexity and inefficiency of today’s redistribution wholesale model, and created a consistent and reliable shopping experience for travelers by ensuring accurate display of hotel descriptions, room rates and fees through known and trusted third-party travel providers.

“At Marriott International, we are focused on enhancing service and transparency for consumers while driving cost efficiencies for owners and franchisees,” said Brian King, global officer of digital, distribution, revenue strategy and global sales, Marriott International. “With this truly innovative solution from Expedia Group, we can increase our reach to leisure travel providers while solving distribution challenges and improving efficiencies for our hotels around the world.”