Who Owns Expedia?
Expedia is owned by Expedia Group, a publicly traded American multinational company traded on NASDAQ under ticker EXPE. Expedia Group was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Parent Company
Expedia Group
Founded
1996
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Seattle, Washington, USA
Who Owns Expedia?
- Parent Company: Expedia Group
- Ownership Type: Brand division
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: EXPE
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Expedia | Expedia Group | Brand division |
History of Expedia
- Founded: 1996
- Founders: Rich Barton, Lloyd Frink
Expedia was founded in 1996 by Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink within Microsoft as one of the first online travel agencies. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for digital travel solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the online travel category for generations. The service was launched to help consumers book travel online during the early days of internet commerce, when most travel bookings were still made through traditional travel agents. This strategic positioning demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to create differentiated travel solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
The platform was spun off from Microsoft as part of Expedia Group's IPO in 1999, allowing the brand to focus exclusively on the travel market. This strategic integration demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to integrate into larger technology corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the travel industry. Throughout the 2000s, Expedia expanded rapidly, adding new services like car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages to its original flight and hotel offerings. This strategic diversification demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to serve multiple traveler segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the online travel industry.
Expedia pioneered many features now standard in online travel booking, including package deals, dynamic packaging, and comprehensive comparison tools. This continued evolution demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing travel requirements and technological advancements. The brand has continued to innovate with mobile applications, personalized recommendations, and AI-powered travel planning features. This continued excellence demonstrates Expedia's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing travel dynamics and consumer preferences. The brand's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of online travel and consumer-focused travel solutions.
About Expedia Group
What does Expedia Group own?
Expedia Group owns a portfolio of online travel brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo (vacation rentals), Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, Wotif (Australia and New Zealand), and a majority stake in Trivago (hotel metasearch). The company also operates Expedia for Business, a B2B technology platform serving travel agencies and other businesses.
Is Expedia Group publicly traded?
Yes, Expedia Group, Inc. is listed on NASDAQ under ticker EXPE. Barry Diller retains significant voting control through a dual-class share structure. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group and BlackRock. Ariane Gorin serves as President and CEO.
Who founded Expedia Group?
Expedia was founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft by Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink. Microsoft spun off Expedia as an independent company in 1999. IAC/InterActiveCorp acquired a controlling stake in 2001 and built the company into a multi-brand online travel group. Expedia was spun off from IAC as an independent company in 2005.
Where is Expedia Group headquartered?
Expedia Group is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA. The company moved its headquarters from Bellevue, Washington to Seattle in 2019. Expedia operates globally with significant operations in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
How many brands does Expedia Group own?
Expedia Group owns seven or more travel brands, including Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Wotif. The company also holds a majority stake in Trivago. Expedia Group's platforms collectively serve hundreds of millions of travelers annually.
Who owns Expedia Group?
Expedia Group, Inc. is publicly traded on NASDAQ. Barry Diller retains significant voting control through a dual-class share structure. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group and BlackRock. Ariane Gorin serves as President and CEO.
- Founded: 1996
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NASDAQ: EXPE
- Revenue: approximately $13.7 billion (FY2024)
- Employees: approximately 17,000
Where Is Expedia Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, India, Ireland, Various global offices
Expedia Sustainability & Ethics
Expedia's sustainability and ethical practices focus on sustainable travel, carbon offsetting, and environmental responsibility within Expedia Group's comprehensive sustainability framework. The brand is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through carbon offset programs, responsible tourism initiatives, and digital sustainability while maintaining the quality and convenience expected of a leading online travel agency.
Sustainable Travel and Carbon Offsetting: Expedia emphasizes sustainable travel practices through carbon offset programs, environmentally friendly travel options, and responsible tourism initiatives. The brand supports carbon footprint reduction through partnership with environmental organizations while maintaining the comprehensive travel services expected of a premium online travel platform.
Responsible Tourism and Environmental Compliance: Expedia implements responsible tourism practices across its partner network, including eco-friendly hotel options, sustainable transportation choices, and environmental compliance measures. The brand works to minimize environmental impact while maintaining the quality standards expected of premium travel services.
Digital Sustainability: Expedia emphasizes digital sustainability through energy-efficient data centers, optimized algorithms, and environmentally friendly digital infrastructure. The brand supports sustainable technology practices while maintaining the high-quality digital experience expected of online travel booking platforms.
Ethical Business Practices: Expedia maintains ethical business practices across its operations, including transparent pricing, fair competition, and customer protection. The brand supports ethical business standards and regulatory compliance while maintaining competitive pricing and service quality.
Community Engagement: Expedia supports local communities through educational programs, tourism development initiatives, and partnerships with travel organizations. The brand maintains its commitment to community development while operating as a significant contributor to the travel industry and local economies.
Responsible Sourcing: Expedia emphasizes responsible sourcing across its partner network, including sustainable hotel partnerships, environmentally friendly transportation options, and ethical supplier relationships. The brand works to minimize environmental impact while maintaining comprehensive travel service offerings.
Travel Conservation: Expedia supports travel conservation initiatives through educational programs, environmental awareness campaigns, and partnerships with conservation organizations. The brand maintains its commitment to environmental stewardship while operating as a significant contributor to travel industry sustainability.
Awards & Recognition
Expedia has received recognition within the travel industry for platform innovation, customer experience, and sustainability initiatives, establishing itself as a respected online travel agency with a strong market presence.
Platform Innovation Awards: Expedia's development of innovative travel booking technology and digital platforms has received recognition from travel technology organizations and industry groups. The brand's technological advancements in online travel booking and user experience have been acknowledged as advancing travel technology and digital innovation.
Customer Experience Awards: Expedia's customer service and user experience have received recognition from consumer organizations and travel associations. The brand's focus on customer support and user-friendly interfaces has been acknowledged as contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Sustainability Leadership Awards: Expedia's carbon offset programs and sustainable travel initiatives have received recognition from environmental organizations and sustainability advocates. The brand's efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible tourism have been acknowledged as demonstrating environmental leadership.
Market Position Recognition: Expedia's strong market position and global reach have received recognition from travel industry organizations and business publications. The brand's success in building a comprehensive travel platform has been acknowledged as demonstrating market leadership and business excellence.
Technology Integration Awards: Expedia's integration of various travel services and technologies has received recognition from technology organizations and digital media groups. The brand's ability to provide seamless travel booking experiences has been acknowledged as demonstrating technological innovation.
Expedia Recalls & Controversies
Expedia has maintained a strong safety record but has faced some challenges related to booking issues, customer service problems, and market competition that are typical in the travel industry.
Booking and Cancellation Issues: While Expedia maintains comprehensive booking protocols, the travel industry has faced occasional booking issues that have affected customer confidence in travel platforms broadly. Expedia has addressed these challenges through enhanced booking measures and clear communication with customers, prioritizing booking reliability and customer support.
Customer Service Challenges: Like all major travel companies, Expedia has faced occasional customer service issues involving booking changes, refund requests, or support response times. These incidents have required continuous improvement in customer service processes and support systems.
Market Competition Challenges: Expedia faces intense competition in the online travel market from other OTAs, traditional travel agencies, and direct booking channels. This competition has created pressure on pricing, service offerings, and market positioning, requiring continuous adaptation to maintain market leadership.
Technology Integration Issues: The brand has faced challenges related to technology integration, particularly with platform reliability and digital infrastructure. These challenges have required continuous improvement in technology development and platform stability while maintaining user experience.
Regulatory Compliance Issues: Expedia has faced challenges related to regulatory compliance, particularly regarding travel regulations and consumer protection requirements. These challenges have required continuous improvement in compliance processes and regulatory adherence.
Supply Chain Management: Expedia has faced challenges related to supply chain management, particularly regarding partner coordination and inventory management. These challenges have required continuous improvement in supplier relationships and logistics management.
Brands Owned by Expedia Group
Expedia Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Comprehensive travel booking options across all travel categories
- +Strong brand recognition and global market presence
- +Advanced technology platform with AI-powered features
- +Extensive supplier relationships and competitive pricing
- +Integrated loyalty program and member benefits
- +Mobile app with full booking and management capabilities
Considerations
- -Service fees and booking charges on some transactions
- -Customer service quality can vary by region and issue type
- -Competition from direct supplier websites and other OTAs
- -Dependence on third-party suppliers for inventory and pricing
- -Complex cancellation and change policies for some bookings
Frequently Asked Questions About Expedia
Sources & Further Reading
Competitors to Expedia
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booking Holdings | USA | 1997 | Mass market | Global | All-ages | |
| Booking Holdings | Singapore | 2005 | Mass market | Asia pacific | All-ages | |
| Booking Holdings | Netherlands | 1996 | Mass market | Global | All-ages | |
| Booking Holdings | USA | 2000 | Mass market | Global | All-ages | |
| The Travel Corporation | United Kingdom | 1947 | Mass market | Global | All-ages |
Learn More About Competitors
Priceline
Owned by Booking Holdings
American online travel agency and booking platform known for its "Name Your Price" discount model and comprehensive travel booking services including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Agoda
Owned by Booking Holdings
Singapore-based online travel platform and hotel booking service specializing in Asian markets with global expansion, offering accommodations, flights, and travel packages.
Booking.com
Owned by Booking Holdings
Dutch online accommodation booking platform and digital travel technology company that specializes in hotel reservations and lodging bookings worldwide.
RentalCars.com
Owned by Booking Holdings
Online car rental booking platform that allows customers to compare prices and book rental cars from major car rental companies worldwide.
Trafalgar Tours
Owned by The Travel Corporation
Guided tour company offering escorted coach tours and vacation packages to destinations worldwide, specializing in hassle-free travel experiences with expert tour directors.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Expedia competes with 5 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Expedia Group Stock Information
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