Ryanair has entered into a five-year partnership with Expedia that enables customers to book hotel accommodation via the airline”s website. The anomaly is that Expedia”s global database of hotels ” not just those in the 130 European destinations that Ryanair serves ” is available via the airline”s website.
If there was any sign of Expedia branding on the website things would not seem so strange, but as the agreement stands customers are given the impression that Ryanair can provide hotels in cities it does not fly to ” be it New York, Sydney or Tokyo.
”Adding easy access through the Ryanair site to our unrivalled hotel stock will mean that passengers can book their accommodation simply and quickly, knowing that they can choose exactly where they want to stay at the best available rate,” said Expedia Private Label senior vice president, David Roche.
”This is an important business win for us,” Roche added. ”It recognises our expertise in providing private label services to companies wishing to offer their customers high quality travel products without the need for upfront investment. We have a proven track record in delivering ancillary revenue earnings growth for our clients and we look forward to working with Ryanair for the long-term.”
Ryanair deputy CEO, Michael Cawley said: ”This is a win-win for Ryanair, Expedia and most importantly our customers. Passengers will enjoy significantly improved choice and fantastic hotel deals from the world”s largest online hotel vendor on Ryanair.com, Expedia will grow alongside Europe”s fastest growing airline, while the additional business will contribute to offering the lowest fares.”