Brianna ParkerExpedia is an American online travel company based in Seattle, Washington. Microsoft founded Expedia in 1996 and spun it off in 1999. In 2001, InterActiveCorp (IAC) acquired a controlling stake for around $1.5 billion.
IAC bought out Microsoft in 2003 and integrated Expedia into its IAC Travel division. Two years later, IAC spun off Expediawith its entire travel portfolio, including Egencia, TripAdvisor, Classic Vacations, Hotels.com, and Hotwire.com.
In 2011, Expedia spun out TripAdvisor. The company expanded its portfolio by acquiringTrivago,Wolf.com, Travelocity, Orbitz for $1.6 billion, andVrbo for $3.9 billion. In 2021, Expedia had around 25,400 employees and reported an 87% increase in revenue to $6.57 billion in the US. [1]
Expedia offers several platforms to help travelers plan and book flights, lodgings, rental cars, tour packages, and cruises. But the company is not immune to market forces. In 2019, Expedialaid off 12% of its workforce and generated $12.2 billion in revenue. The company lost 95% of its business in 2020 due to the health crisis, wiping off more than 50% of its revenue.
So, Expedia restructured by selling Classic Vacations to Najafi Co. It also sold Egencia to American Express GBTin Nov 2021. In May 2022, Expedia launched a new technology platform called Open World.
Entrepreneurs can use this platform to build their own travel businesses. The company faces stiff competition from CWT, American Express GBT, Booking Holdings, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of Expedia’s top 15 competitors and alternatives:
1. Booking Holdings
Year founded: 1997
Headquarter: Norwalk, Connecticut
Booking Holdings is a travel tech company that owns travel fare metasearch and aggregators. Its web and mobile solutions allow users to book travel reservations, airline tickets, accommodations, rental cars, and vacation packages. In 2021, Booking Holdings had around 19,400 employees and reported a 61.24% increase in revenue to $11 billion. The company facilitated $76.6 billion in travel bookings in 2021.
Booking Holdings owns several brands, including Booking.com, Rentalcars.com, Kayak, and Priceline.Booking.com has over 27 million listings in more than 130,000 destinations across 227 countries. It also offers a dedicated platform for flight bookers in 34 countries and a Genius loyalty program.
In 2021, Booking Holdings acquiredGetaroom for $1.2 billion and Etraveli Group. The company integrated Getaroomand Priceline to improve B2B distribution for hotel partners. Booking Holdings is the top Expedia competitor and alternative. [3]
2. American Express Global Business Travel (GBT)
Year founded: 2014
Headquarter: New York City, New York
GBT is the world’s leading B2B travel platform. The company has over 13,500 travel professionals in more than 140 countries globally. In 2021, GBT reported a 14% increase in revenue to$6.799 million.[4]
GBT provides software and services that help organizations of all sizes manage travel, expenses, meetings, and events. The company owns and operates one of the most valuable marketplaces in B2B travel.
In Nov 2021, GBT acquired Egencia from Expedia. Egenciaoffers managed travel services for corporate clients. So, this acquisition strengthens GBT’s portfolio. GBT is one of the best alternatives to Expedia for B2B travel management.
3. Airbnb
Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: San Francisco, California
Airbnb is an online hospitality service that connects guests with hosts. The platform supports62 languages and features over 7 million listings accessible to consumers in more than 220 countries. In 2021, Airbnb reported a 77.37% increase in revenue to $5.992 billion. It has around 13,000 employees working across 31 offices globally.
Airbnb connects tourists, travelers, and vacationers with hosts who offer their apartments and homes for temporary rental. The platform facilitates over 190 million bookings annually. In 2021, Airbnb implemented over 100 changes to mitigate the impact of the health crisis.
The company also added new search options on its app to help users find accommodations and experiences quickly and easily. Airbnb is the best alternative to Expedia for booking temporary rentals. [5]
4. CWT
Year founded: 1994
Headquarter: Minneapolis, Minnesota
CWT is a Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management company. It manages business travel, conferences, events, and exhibitions for companies and governments. In 2021, CWT had around 18,000 employees and made $1.5 billion in revenue.
CWT helps companies and governments connect their staff anywhere, anytime. The company leverages innovative technologies to provide an efficient, safe, and secure travel experience across six continents.
In Sep 2021, CWT released its ninth annual Responsible Business Report that reiterates its support for the UN’s principles and sustainable development goals. The travel firm is also committed to advancing diversity and inclusion, employee health and wellness, and women empowerment. CWT is one of the top Expedia competitors. [6]
5. Flight Centre Travel Group
Year founded: 1982
Headquarter: Brisbane, Australia
Flight Centre is Australia’s largest retail travel agency and ranked 6thon BizVibe’s 2020 Top 10 Travel Companies list. The company operates over 2,800 retail and corporate stores and offices globally. In 2021, Flight Centre had 20,600 employees and generated $395.9 million in revenue.
Flight Centre makes 40% of its revenue from leisure travel and 60% from a corporate business. In the first half of fiscal 2022, Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveler and FCM brands reported a 50% increase in sales. The company strengthened its position as a leader in the tech travel space by acquiring WhereTo in Aug 2020 and Shep in Dec 2020.
In 2021, Flight Centre bought mobile chatbot platform Sam and invested in air content aggregator TPConnects.These acquisitions and investments boost its corporate travel solutions. Flight Centre Travel Group is one of the top alternatives to Expedia for leisure and business travelers. [7]
6. TripAdvisor
Year founded: 2000
Headquarter: Needham, Massachusetts
TripAdvisor is an online travel company with a platform that offers user-generated content, online hotel reservations, and comparison-shopping services. Around 463 million travelers use its website and app per month to book hotel rooms, transportation, and experiences. In 2021, TripAdvisor had 4,200 employees and generated$902 million in revenue.
Both Expedia and TripAdvisor provide travel management. TripAdvisor covers all businesses in the hospitality sector, including accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines, and cruises. Its platform offers over 859 million reviews to help travelers make informed decisions.
In Jun 2021, the company launched TripAdvisor Plus for $99 per year. Subscribers can save around $350 per stay from discounts offered by over 100,000 hotels globally. TripAdvisor is a formidable Yelp competitor and the best alternative for travelers and travel agencies. [8]
7. BCD Travel
Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: Utrecht, Netherlands
BCD Travel is a corporate travel management service provider. The company operates in more than 100 countries globally. In 2021, BCD Travel employed 15,900 people and generated around $2 billion in revenue.
BCD Travel focuses on corporate clients, while Expediacaters to all consumers in the hospitality and travel sectors. In Dec 2021, BCD Travel received the Beat Readers’ Most Admired Travel Management Company award.
The company has won this award nine times. BCD Travel is the best alternative to Expedia for corporate travel management. [9]
8. Travel Leaders Corporate
Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: New York City, New York
Travel LeadersCorporate (TLC) is a business travel firm owned byInternova Travel Group. The company offers customized travel programs, meetings management, and data analytics. In 2021, TLC had 4,000 employees and generated around $175 million in revenue.
The main competitive advantage for TLC is its tech-first approach to travel management. The firm leverages mobile, data, and the cloud to offer a flexible suite of services customized to a client’s needs.
According to BTN, TLC’s parent companyInternova Travel Group is the highest-ranking US corporate travel management company. The Group manages leisure, business, and franchise firms and represents around 62,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 locations across more than 80 countries. Travel Leaders Corporate is one of the best alternatives to Expedia for leisure and corporate clients. [10]
9. Direct Travel
Year founded: 1980
Headquarter: Denver, Colorado
Direct Travel is a business and personal travel management company. It offers corporate travel, meetings, events, and leisure services customized to clients’ needs. In 2021, Direct Travel had 750 employees in over 70 locations across North America and the UK.
Direct Travel was founded to fulfill the need for middle-market travel accounts. The company provides its services through a distinct regional structure, ensuring each client receives tailored solutions.
In Feb 2022, Direct Travel partnered with Crisis24 to improve travel risk management and travel services. The company is ranked 9thon Travel Weekly’s Power List. Direct Travel is the best alternative to Expedia for customized travel programs. [11]
10. Trip.com Group
Year founded: 1999
Headquarter: Shanghai, China
Trip.com Group is a Chinese online travel company formerly known as Ctrip.com. The platform offers corporate travel management and allows users to book accommodation, transportation, and packaged tours.
In 2021, Trip.com Group had around 45,000 employees and generated $3 billion in revenue. [12]Trip.com Group comprises Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Each of these brands caters to a specific niche in the travel marketplace.
The platform offers access to over 1.2 million hotels in more than 200 countries and 30 million guest reviews. Its customers can book flights to over 5000 destinations globally. Trip.com Group is a worthy Expedia competitor.
11. Corporate Travel Management (CTM)
Year founded: 1994
Headquarter: Denver, Colorado
CTM is a global provider of innovative and cost-effective travel solutions. CTM provides local service solutions to customers globally through a blend of CTM-owned and operated offices and a network of independent partner agencies.
In 2021, CTM had 725 employees and made $5 billion in revenue. Both CTM and Expedia offer end-to-end services, including corporate, events, loyalty, and leisure travel. In Dec 2021, CTM acquired Helloworld Corporate for A$175 million.
The acquisition brings several brands into the CTM portfolio, including TravelEdge, APX, QBT, Atlas Travel, AOT Hotels, and Show Group. With HelloworldCorp, CTM is now the leading travel management provider for government and universities in Australia.CTM is one of the top Expedia competitors in the Australian market. [13]
12. ATPI Limited
Year founded: 2002
Headquarter: London, UK
ATPI Limited is a UK-based travel management company.It focuses on corporate travel, marine and energy businesses, sports, and corporate event management.In 2021, ATPI had around 6,300 employees and made $55 millionin revenue.
Both ATPI and Expedia offer corporate travel management. But ATPI also manages sports events, increasing its competitive advantage. In 2021, ATPI added 13 new service locations supported by local brands. These brands include Via Nova in Buenos Aires, Melcom Travel and Tours in Ghana, Rickshaw Travels in Tanzania, and Quang Thinh Travel Co. in Vietnam.
According to ATPI’s stats, its global network now covers more than 100 service locations in 75 markets.ATPI is one of the fastest-growing competitors for Expedia. [14]
13. FlipKey
Year founded: 2006
Headquarter: Boston, Massachusetts
FlipKey is a vacation rental service and a subsidiary of TripAdvisor. The platform charges a 3% fee per booking based on the host’s total rent. In 2021, FlipKey’s parent company TripAdvisor reported a 49% increase in revenue to $902 million. [15]
FlipKeycompetes against Expedia’s Vrbo. The main benefit of using FlipKey instead of Vrbo is its pay-per-booking pricing model that allows guests to pay after securing a reservation. In 2021, FlipKey’scatalog included more than 830,000 listings in 190 countries.
The company also owns over 30,000 properties in 1100 cities globally.FlipKey is a worthy top alternative to Expedia’s Vrbo for vacation rental services.
14. World Travel Holdings
Year founded: 2003
Headquarter: Wilmington, Massachusetts
World Travel Holdings is a leisure travel company with more than 40 diverse brands. It is also the largest cruise agency in the US, with several cruises, villas, resort vacations, car rentals, resort day passes, and luxury travel services.
In 2021, World Travel Holdings had 723 employees working across its offices in Massachusetts, Florida, and Chorley, England. World Travel Holdings partners with several private labels and leisure travel providers, including almost every US airline, hotel, and prominent corporation. The company also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise in the US and multiple cruise brands in the UK.
In 2021, World Travel Holdings received a Gold Star from Travel Weekly for providing creative programs to support its network of agents. Its Dream Vacations, CruiseOne, and Cruises Inc. brands won 6 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. World Travel Holdings is one of the top alternatives to Expedia for leisure travel services. [16]
15. HomeToGo
Year founded: 2014
Headquarter: Berlin, Germany
HomeToGo is a search and comparison site for vacation rentals. The platform has over 17 million listings in more than 200 countries. In 2021, HomeToGo generated $88 million in revenue.
HomeToGocompetes against Expedia’s search aggregator, Trivago, and Vrbovacation rentals. The company partners with several Expedia competitors, including Airbnb, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor.
In 2021, HomeToGo went public via Lakestar SPAC at a $2.2 billion valuation. The SPAC company raised $335 million as part of HomeToGo’s IPO.HomeToGois one of the best alternatives to Expedia for budget tourists and travelers. [17]
References & more information
- Lock, S. (2022, Feb 17). Revenue of Expedia Group, Inc. in the US 2010-2021. Statista
- Bishop, T. (2022, May 4). Expedia Group unveils a new tech platform for the travel industry. Geekwire
- Sorrells, M. (2022, Feb 23). Booking Holdings Closes 2021 with Improved Revenue and Profit. Phocus Wire
- GBT (2022, Mar 7). American Express Global Business Travel Reports 2021 Financial Results. Business Wire
- Bursztynsky, J. (2021, May 24). Airbnb announces a big new update focused on flexibility. CNBC
- CWT (2021, Sept 29). CWT’s ninth annual Responsible Business Report. Hospitality.net
- Menze, J. (2022, Feb 24). Tech Investments Driving Flight Center’s Corporate Recovery. Phocus Wire
- El-Bawab, N. (2021, Jun 16). TripAdvisor launches a service that it says offers bigger discounts on hotels and flights. CNBC
- BCD Travel (2021, Dec 8). BCD Travel named ‘Most Admired Travel Management Company’ for 9th Time. BCDTravel.com
- Travel Leaders Corporate (2021, Dec 20). Travel Leaders Corporate Anticipates Stronger Business Market in 2022. PRNewswire
- Direct Travel (2022, Feb 23). Crisis24 and Direct Travel, Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Services, Capabilities. Globe Newswire
- Blazyte, A. (2022, Apr 28). Revenue of Trip.com Group 2011-2021. Statista
- Baker, M. B. (2022, Apr 4). CTM Starts Integration of Helloworld Corp. Brands. Business Travel News
- Baker, M. B. (2022, Jan 31). ATPI Adds New Locations, Appoints Execs. Business Travel News
- SRD (2022, Feb 21). Global revenue of TripAdvisor 2008-2021. Statista
- World Travel Holdings (2021, Oct 19). World Travel Holdings and its Brands win Six 2021 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. PR Web
- O’Neill, S. (2021, Jun 4). Lakestar Plans to Take HomeToGo Public in $1.2 Billion Bet on Vacation Rental Search. Skift
- Featured image by Charlotte Noelle
Tell us what you think? Did you find this article interesting? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Kevin Johnson
Ava Abbott
Add comment