Expedia Group is honoring Global Travel Advisor Day by hosting a series of events for members of Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program. These events aim to update travel advisors on new features and improvements within the program. The Vice President of TAAP, Robin Lawther, emphasized the significance of this channel and the recent investments made to enhance the TAAP program.
Unified Events
In previous years, TAAP events were scattered throughout the year, but this year they have been consolidated around Travel Advisor Day. These events are taking place in various locations including the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, and Italy. The events will vary based on the market but will all include updates on TAAP features to benefit attending advisors.
One of the key updates being shared with advisors is the introduction of a deferred-payments feature within TAAP. This feature was initially launched in the U.S. last year and is now available globally. It allows agencies to pay closer to the check-in date, providing more flexibility for their clients. Additionally, the TAAP Rewards program is expanding outside of the U.S. into Canada and Mexico. This program rewards lodging bookings with points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
A highly anticipated feature that TAAP will be introducing in early July is the ability for agencies to add service fees onto bookings. This feature caters to the common practice of advisors charging fees on top of commissions. This addition will give advisors more control and revenue options. This feature has been heavily requested by U.S. advisors and will be rolled out globally following initial testing.
Enhanced Reporting
In addition to new features, advisors can expect improvements in reporting with the introduction of a new API. This API will allow for seamless integration into various accounting and inventory management systems that advisors may be using. The aim is to streamline processes and provide more comprehensive reporting capabilities to enhance the overall advisor experience.
TAAP is also working on a new shopping experience that will be launched once additional features and functionalities are implemented. This new shopping experience is expected to enhance the booking process for both advisors and clients. The program is constantly evolving to adapt to the changing needs of travel advisors and ensure a user-friendly experience.
Expedia Group’s dedication to celebrating Global Travel Advisor Day through a series of events and feature updates demonstrates their commitment to supporting travel advisors. These initiatives aim to empower advisors with new tools and resources to drive efficiency and enhance the overall booking experience for travelers.