SEATTLE, JULY 21, 2025 – Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) announces the launch of several new platform enhancements designed to help travel advisors work more efficiently, better serve their clients, and unlock new earning opportunities. These updates—shaped directly by feedback from travel advisors around the world—introduce powerful tools that simplify trip management, expand payment flexibility, and offer new ways to increase revenue.

Among the latest additions are enhanced deferred payment capabilities, a new bank transfer payment option, and the expanded rollout of the agency service charge feature. Together, these enhancements give advisors more control over how they manage bookings, get paid, and deliver value to their clients, helping them grow their business with greater ease and confidence.

“With 45% of travelers using an advisor to book most or all of their trips in the past year, it’s clear that the role of the travel advisor has never been more essential,” said Robin Lawther, VP of Expedia TAAP. “We’re seeing strong momentum behind our latest tools, which speaks volumes about the real-world impact they’re having on advisors’ businesses. Looking ahead, we’re continuing to invest in the platform — with new functionalities and enhancements on the horizon that will make it even easier for advisors to grow and thrive.”

— Source: Expedia TAAP Traveler Research Report 2025

Deferred Payment Enhancements

Expedia TAAP has enhanced its popular “book now, pay later” feature, with new capabilities that give travel advisors greater flexibility, control, and efficiency when managing client bookings.

• Plan further ahead with confidence: Advisors can now defer payment for trips up to 365 days in advance (previously 280 days), making it easier to secure early-bird deals and support clients who plan well ahead, without requiring immediate payment. This added flexibility helps advisors manage cash flow while delivering more value to their clients.
  
  
• New flexibility for deferred payment bookings: Expedia TAAP’s new Hard Change functionality was developed specifically to support bookings made with deferred payment—something that wasn’t possible before. Advisors can now make key post-booking changes, such as adjusting travel dates, occupancy, or room type, directly within the platform. This enhancement eliminates the need to cancel and rebook, saving time and enabling faster responses to client needs.

These feature updates are available across all 34 Expedia TAAP markets and apply to eligible hotel bookings.

Bank Transfer Payment Option

Advisors can now pay for hotel bookings via bank transfer, offering a flexible new alternative to other payment types. This is now live across some European markets—including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Finland, and the Netherlands.

By providing more options for how agencies prefer to pay, this enhancement empowers advisors to manage bookings more efficiently and serve clients in regions where card payments may be less practical.

Expanded Rollout of Agency Service Charge

Following strong demand and early success, the agency service charge feature is now live in more than 20 markets including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany, France and the U.A.E.

This powerful feature enables travel advisors to apply a discretionary service charge of up to 30% of the total lodging booking value directly within the Expedia TAAP platform. 

It’s a simple, flexible way for advisors to be rewarded for the time, expertise, and personalized service they deliver—helping them grow their business while continuing to provide exceptional value to clients.

About Expedia TAAP 

Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), a division of Expedia Group, is the trusted global retail booking platform that connects travel agents to Expedia Group's global portfolio of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, packages, car rentals, and activities. Established with the mission to empower travel agencies by granting them access to Expedia's worldwide travel inventory, Expedia TAAP remains dedicated to fostering the growth of travel agencies through its cutting-edge technology, diverse travel supply, impressive rates, and comprehensive support services. To learn more visit www.expediataap.com.

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Expedia Group’s three flagship consumer brands includes: Expedia®, Hotels.com®, and Vrbo®.

For more information, visit www.expediagroup.com. Follow us on Twitter @expediagroup and check out our LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/expedia.

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