Expedia Group, which was originally spun out of Microsoft, has announced a new strategic partnership with the tech giant. This partnership will allow Microsoft’s Bing search engine users in the U.S. and UK to earn One Key loyalty program cash alongside Microsoft Rewards when booking accommodations through Expedia. This move is part of Expedia’s efforts to expand the One Key program and provide more benefits to its B2B partners, such as Microsoft, through its Rapid API tech. This new partnership is unique in the travel industry and aims to provide a differentiated loyalty program to enhance customer retention.
By including Bing Travel in the Microsoft Rewards program, both Expedia Group and Microsoft aim to create a unique value proposition for travelers. Bing users in the U.S. and UK will be able to earn One Key cash, which can be redeemed for stays on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, in addition to the existing benefits of Microsoft Rewards. Expedia Group provides Microsoft with access to its extensive portfolio of over 750,000 hotels and vacation rentals, as well as offering customer service support. This partnership signifies a closer collaboration between the two Seattle-based companies and highlights the importance of loyalty programs in the travel industry.
Alfonso Paredes, president of Expedia Group’s Private Label Solutions, emphasized the importance of differentiation in loyalty programs in the travel industry. With over 60,000 business partners, Expedia aims to provide unique advantages to its partners through programs like One Key. Microsoft Rewards, which already allows users to earn gift cards, will now offer additional benefits to Xbox One users who book accommodations through Bing Travel. This expansion of rewards and benefits is expected to increase user engagement and loyalty, benefiting both companies and their customers.
The partnership between Expedia Group and Microsoft extends beyond the U.S. and UK markets, with Expedia being Microsoft’s preferred supplier in several other countries. Expedia Group provides lodging supply to Microsoft in 16 markets, including the U.S., Canada, UK, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, and Australia. This broad partnership will offer users in these markets the opportunity to access unique benefits and rewards when booking accommodations through Microsoft Bing. By leveraging Expedia’s vast inventory of hotels and vacation rentals, Microsoft can offer its users a wide selection of options for their travel needs.
By joining forces with Microsoft, Expedia Group aims to strengthen its position in the travel industry and provide innovative solutions to its business partners and customers. The integration of One Key loyalty program cash into Microsoft Rewards for Bing users demonstrates the companies’ commitment to creating a seamless and rewarding experience for travelers. The partnership not only benefits the companies involved but also enhances the overall travel experience for users by providing them with a wide range of benefits, rewards, and options when booking accommodations through Expedia on Microsoft Bing. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of loyalty programs and customer engagement in the travel industry.
