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Expedia TAAP enters the United Arab Emirates to extend partnership within secondary cities in the Middle East, in line with its regional tourism development goals. Robin Lawther, Vice President, Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Programme (TAAP), shares with TRAVTALK, the wide range of offerings it brings to connect the luxury tourism market with agents across the Middle East.

TT Bureau

How does Expedia TAAP plan to expand its presence and partnerships within secondary cities in the Middle East?

Expedia TAAP is excited to launch in the Middle East, starting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key gateway for regional and international travel and a thriving hub for the luxury tourism market. The UAE represents a strategic entry point, not only due to its strong infrastructure and high travel demand but also because of the growing number of travel agencies looking for robust and reliable platforms that help them better serve their clients.  Over the past few years, our team has consistently attended Arabian Travel Market and has observed a significant surge in interest from travel agents across the region.

Many have expressed the need for a solution tailored to their unique requirements, something Expedia TAAP is designed to deliver, with its vast global inventory, competitive rates and intuitive user experience.

Our expansion into the UAE is just the beginning. By empowering the local travel agents with the right instruments, we aim to support the development of emerging markets and contribute meaningfully to their long-term tourism strategies.

What initiatives does Expedia TAAP have in place to support local travel agencies and SMEs in the ME region?

As part of our launch into the UAE, Expedia TAAP is proud to offer local travel agencies access to our extensive, directly sourced lodging inventory, featuring over 1 million accommodations worldwide. Agents in the region benefit from competitive standalone, package, and promotional rates, along with enhanced earning potential, instant and guaranteed booking confirmations and prompt commission payments.

We also provide agents with a user-friendly, reliable booking platform equipped with over 20 advanced sorting and filtering options for fast, relevant search results. Our platform offers high-quality content, transparent pricing and a clear view of commission. Multiple payment options support better cash flow management for agencies.