Press Centre
NZ hotels shine ahead of Rugby World Cup
On May 06, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Insiders’ Select ranks the world’s best hotels based on value, service and customer ratings
New Zealand Hotels are again amongst the best in the world, according to online travel company Expedia’s latest Insiders’ Select list (www.expedia.co.nz/insiders-select.aspx).Three New Zealand hotels were named in the top 100 for the first time in 2011, which is a good sign for the local tourism industry only months out from the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup. Auckland’s SKYCITY Grand is ranked 18th, with the Waterfront Suites in the Bay of Islands in 34th position and Mantra Marina in Queenstown at no. 64. Read more
Expedia® Foreign Exchange Index – April 2011
On April 20, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Latest Expedia HiFX Foreign Exchange Index reveals top destinations for travellers on the New Zealand Dollar
As the New Zealand Dollar performs solidly against a number of major currencies, including the US Dollar, now is a good time for Kiwis to dust off the passport and head overseas. To find out where Kiwi travellers get the best bang for their travel buck, online travel company Expedia.co.nz, in conjunction with foreign exchange specialist HiFX, has released its latest Expedia HiFX Foreign Exchange Index. Read more
Expedia Travel Value Tracker reveals the cost of typical expenses in popular international destinations
On March 30, 2011 at 01:00 PM
Spending money stretches further on short haul holidays
On-the-ground costs can greatly impact the overall cost of a holiday. With travel expenses varying considerably from country to country, some insider knowledge about holiday expenses in certain destinations is handy for travellers wanting their spending money to stretch a little further.
To help travellers with their holiday budget, online travel company Expedia.co.nz has compiled its inaugural Expedia Travel Value Tracker*, which lists 10 typical everyday holiday items in 10 of the most popular international destinations for New Zealand travellers.
According to the Expedia Travel Value Tracker, a ‘basket’ of 10 most common holiday item, cost the least in Thailand (Phuket), Bali and Fiji. Read more
Joint venture of AirAsia and Expedia to power online travel revolution in Asia
On March 29, 2011 at 07:00 PM
First partnership of its kind globally between a low-cost carrier and an online travel agency
AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline and Expedia, Inc., the world's largest online travel company, today announced the launch of a new joint venture company covering Asia Pacific and offering a complete range of great value flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
This is the first partnership of its kind globally between a low cost carrier (LCC) and an online travel agent (OTA). This “marriage made in heaven” between the world’s largest online travel company, and the world’s most innovative airline, allows both companies to build on each other’s strength in bringing happiness through travel to the world’s travellers. Read more
Expedia throws down the gauntlet on booking fees with new multi-million dollar campaign
On March 14, 2011 at 01:30 PM
The world’s largest online travel company, Expedia, has launched a new multi-million dollar marketing and advertising campaign in New Zealand and Australia. The campaign, which focuses on flight booking fees, throws down the gauntlet with local competitors who continue to charge their customers booking fees which, according to Expedia, offer no value to customers.
Research* commissioned by Expedia late last year found that almost three quarters of New Zealanders and Australians are angered when websites charge fees and believe they should not be charged. Read more
Expedia throws down the gauntlet on booking fees
On March 14, 2011 at 01:00 PM
The world’s largest online travel company, Expedia, has thrown down the gauntlet with local competitors who continue to charge their customers booking fees which, according to Expedia, offer no value to customers.
While Expedia.co.nz continues to lead the campaign against fees, some online travel agents (OTAs) in New Zealand continue to charge customers fees of over $40 to book a flight. They also charge various fees to change/cancel a flight, hotel or package.
Research* commissioned by Expedia late last year found that around three quarters of New Zealanders are angered when websites charge fees and believe they should not be charged.
The key findings from the research* are: Read more
Expedia expands into Southeast Asia with the launch of new Singapore site
On February 22, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Expedia, Inc., the world's leading online travel company, has announced the launch of its new Singapore website – www.expedia.com.sg – a travel booking website designed specifically to meet the needs of travellers from Singapore.
The new website marks the company's entry into Southeast Asia, and is the fifthExpedia® site in the Asia Pacific region, adding to its existing regional presence in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and India. Expedia, Inc. also has a presence in China through a controlling investment in eLong™.
The new Expedia Singapore website currently offers hotel bookings and will include air fares and packages later this year. Read more
Chasing the summer sun
On February 16, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Expedia.co.nz lists the best Northern Hemisphere summer destinations for 2011
With the New Zealand summer soon to make way for autumn, now is the time for travellers not wanting to let the sun set on summer to start planning a mid-year holiday.
From Europe to North America, the Northern Hemisphere offers travellers a playground of destinations to explore. Online travel company, Expedia.co.nz, has scoured the Northern Hemisphere to find the best up and coming destinations to visit during New Zealand’s winter months.
Louise Crompton, Senior Manager Marketing, Expedia Australia and New Zealand, said: “There are many new and interesting destinations that are emerging as hot places to travel in the Northern Hemisphere including Madeira, Sardinia and Alaska. Read more
Travel etiquette for the travel-wise
On February 15, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Advice from leading online travel company Expedia.co.nzTMon the Do’s and Don’ts when travelling abroad
While some local customs and laws might at times seem absurd to the foreign traveller, understanding other cultures in terms of what is acceptable behaviour and what might be illegal or taboo is of great importance when travelling.
According to Expedia.co.nzTM, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s leading online travel company, knowing the local rules and customs of a travel destination will not only help you stay out of trouble when travelling, and avoid potential embarrassment or offence, but it can also open doors to unique and rewarding travel experiences. Read more
Fiji the number one international Christmas holiday destination for Kiwis
On January 19, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Expedia records triple-digit bookings growth for Fiji over past Christmas period
Fiji was by far the favourite international Christmas holiday destination of Kiwi travellers this past Christmas holiday season, according to booking data* from online travel company Expedia.co.nz.
Fiji topped the list of international destinations recording the highest growth in terms of flight bookings, growing 124% year-on-year over the same period in 2009, while it also recorded the highest number of transactions for accommodation in an international destination for the same period. Fiji was also the number one holiday package destination. Read more
In search of the world’s best beaches
On December 03, 2010 at 02:00 PM
Expedia.co.nz reveals its Top 10 best beach destinations
Beaches, bays and impressive coastlines beckon almost all travellers. However, not everyone is wowed by the same waves, and everyone has their own idea of what their perfect beach might be. Expedia.co.nz operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, has released its top 10 best beaches list. Some are off the beaten track, while other lesser known beauties lie in the heart of already iconic locations overlooked by tourist hordes and best known to locals. Read more
Expedia’s ‘Hot List’ of must-visit destinations for 2011
On November 26, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Expedia.co.nz names its top 10 ‘hot’ destinations for 2011
Expedia.co.nz, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s leading online travel company, has announced its list of top 10 ‘hot’ destinations for 2011.
According to recent flight bookings on Expedia.co.nz, medium- and long-haul destinations such as North America and Europe are proving to be favourites among kiwi travellers, with some destinations recording almost triple-digit year-on-year growth and 2011 is promising to be a another bumper year for New Zealanders wanting to pack their bags and explore the big wide world. Read more
Travel the world for the best New Year’s experiences
On November 22, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Expedia lists the world’s best destinations for New Year’s
New Year’s, and more specifically, New Year’s Eve, is perhaps the most hedonistic of holidays on the year’s calendar and a perfect excuse for a great party. All around the world, there is music, dancing and breathtaking displays of fireworks as cities celebrate the passing of one year to the next.
For party-goers looking for a celebration to remember, Expedia.co.nz, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, has scoured the globe to find the world’s best destinations – from Cape Town to Bangkok – to ring in the New Year. Read more
Riding the crest of the Kiwi Dollar wave
On October 18, 2010 at 02:30 PM
Expedia reveals the top travel destinations where the New Zealand Dollar goes furthest
Leading New Zealand travel website Expedia.co.nz, operated by Expedia Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, in conjunction with foreign exchange specialist Currency Online, has released its latest Expedia® Foreign Exchange Index as the New Zealand Dollar continues to perform strongly against the world’s major currencies.
The twice-yearly index, which reveals the top international destinations where Kiwi travellers find the best value for their New Zealand Dollar, found that Eastern Europe has again emerged as a great value holiday destination, with five of the top ten destinations located in that region. Read more
Game, Set & Match – 2011’s best sporting event destinations
On September 15, 2010 at 04:00 AM
Expedia.co.nz’s 2011 sporting events travel calendar for sports buffs
Australians’ passion for all things sport is hardly a secret, so it should not come as a surprise that travelling to all corners of the globe to watch our favourite sport or sporting team in action is a popular way for many Australians to spend their holidays.
To make the most of a well-earned break as well as to get a ‘shot’ of their favourite sport, Expedia.com.au™, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s largest online travel company, has compiled a calendar for Australians listing the best sporting events globally in 2011 along with tips for getting the most out of the destination hosting the events. Read more
Holidays are serious stuff for Kiwis
On August 30, 2010 at 06:00 PM
Global Expedia study reveals the travel habits of 19 countries
A new study from Expedia, the world’s largest online travel company and operator of the Expedia.co.nz site in New Zealand, shows Kiwis take their holidays very seriously, often booking their trips at least three months before departure with over half staying longer than eight days per trip. They also book four-star accommodation properties at a higher rate than most other nationalities.
The latest Expedia Travel Bookings Report*, based on search and booking data across 19 Expedia sites worldwide, provides a fascinating insight into the travel habits and profiles of different nationalities and how they book their trips. Read more
No rest for the wicked – even on holiday, Kiwis are hooked to the net
On August 02, 2010 at 04:00 AM
Almost one in four New Zealanders access the internet every day they are on holiday
New Zealanders are spending their holidays surfing the internet rather than the waves, according to new research from Expedia.co.nz, operated by Expedia Inc., the world’s largest online travel company.
In a survey of over 500 New Zealanders*, Expedia.co.nz found that more than one in ten (13 per cent) Kiwis access the internet up to as much as five times a day when on holiday, while a quarter (24 per cent) say they access the internet at least daily. Those on an internet-free holiday are clearly the minority, with only 18 per cent refraining from using the internet at all when on holiday. Read more
Expedia appoints Reddy Kalluru as Director, Online Partner Marketing, Asia Pacific
On July 26, 2010 at 04:00 AM
Expedia, Inc, the world's largest online travel company and operator of the Expedia.com.auTMand Expedia.co.nz websites in Australasia, has announced the appointment of Reddy Kalluru as Director, Online Partner Marketing, Asia Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand. In this newly-created role, Mr Kalluru will oversee the marketing strategies for building brand awareness, revenue generation and customer acquisition along with managing partnerships with key regional media owners and online marketing agencies.
His appointment follows the recent senior management appointments of Dan Lynn as Managing Director, Expedia Asia Pacific, Nicolas Chu as General Manager, Australia and New Zealand and Chris Hann as Retail Manager, Australia and New Zealand. Read more
Cheers and Bon Appétit
On July 26, 2010 at 04:00 AM
Expedia.co.nz highlights the top emerging food and wine destinations of the world
For many New Zealanders, a passion for fine food and wine has for decades inspired them to travel to revered culinary destinations such as France and Italy. However, in recent years there has been a shift from the ‘tried and tested’ wine and food producing countries to gastronomic newcomers such as Denmark and Chile, which are staking their claims as one of the world’s top destinations for food and wine. Read more
Gen Stress: global survey reveals younger New Zealanders are holiday deprived
On June 22, 2010 at 08:03 AM
- New Zealanders are the fourth-most holiday-deprived nation on earth, behind only Japan, USA and Australia
- Younger Kiwis shy away from taking holidays due to career fears
Younger working New Zealanders have been revealed to be more holiday deprived and fearful of taking all their annual leave than their older compatriots, according to the latest annual global Vacation Deprivation® survey from Expedia®, the world’s largest online travel company. Read more