Expedia.com has launched a new 'Expedia+ Business' loyalty programme designed to help small businesses (SMEs) in the US save money and reward their employees for business travel.
For a many small businesses, travel is important but can be a messy thing to arrange and keep track of. While larger companies often have a dedicated travel division or team, or have their travel needs managed by an outside agency, for smaller businesses, such luxuries are not practical.
Consequently, the new Expedia+ Business programme provides small businesses with a dedicated travel site, through which they can view employee itineraries, monitor spending and manage company rewards. Employees benefit as well - they are automatically be enrolled in the +silver tier of the Expedia+ rewards programme.
Expedia+ Business allows companies to earn a US$100 hotel coupon for every 10 hotel nights booked, including those booked in the Expedia app and regardless of who in the company makes the booking. This hotel coupon can be used by the company immediately, saved for future travel or given as a gift to an employee for personal leisure travel. Small business owners will find an easy-to-navigate online tool that simplifies expense and trip planning for all company travel.
Members of Expedia+ Business and their employees are also enrolled in the Expedia+ rewards programme and are automatically upgraded to +silver tier, which includes access to perks such as priority customer service and free hotel amenities at more than 900 +VIP Access hotels.
"The total US online travel market is a US$145 billion business, and unmanaged business travel makes up roughly 25% of that, which is a US$36 billion opportunity," explained David Doctorow, chief marketing & strategy officer and SVP of global marketing for Expedia. "Expedia+ Business offers tools that are typically reserved for much larger businesses, at no cost. This is especially important as businesses are looking for smarter ways to position themselves competitively and manage their bottom line."
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