Expedia Group, Inc. operates a global travel marketplace that connects travelers, lodging and travel partners, and advertisers through consumer brands including Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. Company news commonly covers gross bookings, room nights, lodging demand, revenue trends, B2B travel activity, advertising, and margin performance across its online travel ecosystem.
Recurring updates also include partnerships that extend Expedia Group inventory and technology, such as API integrations and tools for lodging partners, along with research on traveler behavior and artificial intelligence in trip planning. Corporate news includes earnings webcasts, executive leadership changes, dividends, share repurchases, and other capital-allocation actions tied to the company's common stock.
Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) is set to participate in the Evercore ISI Inaugural TMT Conference on June 7, 2021. Peter Kern, the Vice Chairman and CEO, will engage in a Q&A session starting at 8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET. A live webcast of this session will be accessible to the public, with a replay available for 90 days post-event. Expedia Group facilitates global travel through a diverse platform of brands, including Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, driven by the belief that travel connects people and enhances experiences.
Expedia announces its inaugural Expedia Travel Week, set for June 8-12, 2021, featuring substantial discounts of up to 60% on over 30,000 hotels and 800 activities. Travelers can book trips until January 2022, benefiting from flexible cancellation policies. The event includes custom itineraries curated by influencers, offering daily 20%-off coupons. With demand surging for summer travel, Expedia aims to revitalize travel experiences alongside exclusive perks for Rewards Members.
Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) has announced the appointment of Rathi Murthy as Chief Technology Officer and President of Expedia Services, and Jon Gieselman as President of Expedia Brands. This reorganization will create four main divisions: Expedia Services, Expedia Brands, Expedia Marketplace, and Expedia for Business.
The leadership team aims to enhance operational agility and innovation. Gieselman and Murthy bring extensive experience from Apple and Verizon Media, respectively, emphasizing a commitment to transforming customer experiences and technical strategy.
Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE) released its Q1 2021 earnings update on its Investor Relations site, available at http://ir.expediagroup.com. The company will hold a conference call today at 1:30 PM PT to discuss its financial results. A live webcast of this call will also be accessible. Expedia Group aims to enhance travel experiences globally through its technology solutions, aiding partners and creating memorable trips for travelers.
Expedia partners with Joe Jonas to launch the Travel Companions Report, revealing that 80% of Americans feel stressed about international travel. With 60% seeking assistance in booking, the campaign aims to alleviate travel anxiety post-COVID. To symbolize support, Expedia offers 250 exact replicas of Jonas's hand, created through 3D printing. The initiative is backed by a $100,000 donation to Mercy Corps for COVID-19 relief. The report shows travelers' needs for information on restrictions and support tools to ease planning.
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has proposed a binding offer to acquire Egencia, the corporate travel arm of Expedia Group. This strategic acquisition aims to integrate Egencia's digital travel management capabilities with GBT's offerings, enhancing customer solutions across all business travel segments. The deal includes a long-term commercial agreement, allowing Expedia Group to become a shareholder in GBT, thereby expanding its influence in the corporate travel space. The transaction is pending consultation with employee representatives and necessary regulatory approvals.
Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) is set to report its first quarter 2021 results on May 6, 2021. The earnings release will be available after the market closes, and a webcast will follow at 1:30 PM PT / 4:30 PM ET. Investors can access these materials through the Investor Relations section of Expedia's website. The anticipated replay of the call will be available for at least three months. With a mission to enhance global travel accessibility, Expedia Group operates a diverse portfolio of renowned travel brands.
On April 19, 2021, Expedia announced a significant rebranding effort as the travel industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The new positioning emphasizes the importance of companionship during travel, with a focus on meeting evolving traveler needs. Key enhancements include a refreshed mobile app and website, a comprehensive itinerary experience, and improved customer support. The Expedia Rewards program will also be simplified to attract more users. This initiative aims to solidify Expedia's role as an ultimate travel companion, backed by their largest marketing investment in five years.
Vrbo, part of Expedia Group, launched a new program called Fast Start to enhance visibility for new properties within their first 90 days. Properties can earn an average of US$6,000 in that period, 50% more than on other sites. The program offers new hosts a badge, elevated search position, and dedicated support. A pilot showed a 25% increase in bookings and a 140% increase in gross booking value. The program kicks off in the U.S. and will expand globally. Last year, 95% of hosts participated in responsible travel initiatives.
On March 15, 2021, Expedia.com announced the ranking of the friendliest towns and cities in the U.S., based on traveler reviews between January 2019 and December 2020. The list includes top destinations such as Whitefish, Montana, and Sister Bay, Wisconsin, appealing to those seeking welcoming travel experiences as spring and summer travel resumes. The announcement aligns with Expedia's 2021 travel trends emphasizing social distancing and domestic escapes. Expedia is currently offering a Spring Sale with discounts up to 20% on select hotels, valid until March 31.