Why Consider Expedia Competitors 

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Why consider using Expedia alternatives when you're already on Expedia? Well, there are many good reasons:

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Access to More Potential Guests

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More listings mean more visibility. Working with Expedia's competitors exposes you to a fresh customer base.

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Access to a Different Type of Guest

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Expedia caters to the masses, but smaller, specialised booking sites attract niche audiences.

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Different Pricing Structures

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Expedia's competitors often offer unique pricing models to stand out. This can be a big plus for landlords with short term rental property looking to optimise revenue.

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Greater Control

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Sometimes, Expedia's policies or functionalities may not perfectly match your needs. Exploring other options can provide more flexibility and a better fit for your operations.

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Top Expedia Competitors 

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Now, let’s have a look at its top competitors:

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TripAdvisor

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TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, attracts millions of daily visitors who rely on it to plan and book their trips. Known primarily for travel reviews, it also features over 800,000 properties across 200 countries, offering travellers various choices. Property owners can list various vacation rentals, from private rooms to castles and houseboats to villas.

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Listing your UK properties on TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals is free, with a commission of just 3% per booking. Once activated, your listing appears across TripAdvisor’s network, including Holiday Lettings and FlipKey.

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Airbnb

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Airbnb is the world’s largest platform for booking apartments. It currently features six million listings and hosts four million hosts. It operates in over 100,000 cities and towns across more than 220 countries worldwide. Customers can book a variety of accommodations ranging from cabins to tree houses. Additionally, Airbnb offers a dedicated events section.

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A key factor contributing to Airbnb’s success is its user-focused approach. For example, customers can complete bookings in fewer than three clicks. The platform’s user experience has remained consistent over the years as well.

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Booking.com 

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Booking.com is one of the largest online travel agencies worldwide, boasting over 29 million listings. Initially geared towards hotels and resorts, it has expanded its focus to include vacation rentals, now offering more than 6.6 million listings for private homes, apartments, cabins, villas, and various accommodations.

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If you list your property on Booking.com, you'll pay commission fees based on the total booking amount. Typically, Booking.com deducts around 15% from your listed price for all bookings confirmed through their platform. However, the commission rate can vary based on factors such as your location and cancellation policy, ranging between 10% and 25%.

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Vrbo

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Vrbo, short for “vacation rentals by owner,” was one of the pioneers where people could list their vacation properties for renting out. The idea sprang from founder David Clouse wanting to find renters for his ski house in Colorado when he wasn’t using it.

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Unlike Airbnb, which initially attracted apartment owners, Vrbo has always been known for vacation homes. Today, both platforms operate similarly, connecting travellers directly with hosts. They offer insurance options for damage and theft and feature a wide range of properties. Many homeowners now list their properties on multiple platforms like Expedia to reach more potential guests.

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Hotels.com

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Hotels.com is well-known for booking hotels worldwide, but did you know owners can also list their properties there? The site operates in 85 countries and supports 35 languages.

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Originally named the Hotel Reservations Network (HRN), Hotels.com started by offering hotel bookings via toll-free phone calls. Since 2005, it has been owned by Expedia, following a stint with IAC for four years.

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Hotels.com is famous for its marketing prowess. Captain Obvious, played by actor Brandon Moynihan, has entertained millions, promoting Hotels.com as the "obvious choice."

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Travel Leaders Corporate

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Travel Leaders Corporate (TLC) is a business travel company Internova Travel Group owns. They specialise in tailored travel programs, meetings management, and data analytics. In 2021, TLC boasted 4,000 employees and generated approximately $175 million in revenue.

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TLC's key strength lies in its technology-driven approach to travel management. They utilise mobile platforms, data analytics, and cloud services to provide highly adaptable solutions that meet each client's unique requirements.

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According to BTN (Business Travel News), Internova Travel Group, TLC's parent company, ranks as the top corporate travel management firm. Internova oversees a diverse portfolio encompassing leisure, business, and franchise operations, with a network of 62,000 travel advisors spanning over 6,000 locations across more than 80 countries. Travel Leaders Corporate stands out as a formidable alternative to Expedia for both leisure and corporate clients.

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Trip.com Group

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Trip.com Group, formerly Ctrip.com, is a prominent Chinese online travel company. It provides corporate travel management services and allows users to book accommodations, transportation, and packaged tours.

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As of 2021, Trip.com Group employed approximately 45,000 people and reported revenue of $3 billion. The group includes several well-known brands, such as Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar, each catering to distinct segments within the travel industry.

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Trip.com Group offers access to a vast network of over 1.2 million hotels across more than 200 countries, accompanied by 30 million guest reviews. Customers can also book flights to over 5,000 destinations worldwide through their platform. With its comprehensive offerings and global reach, Trip.com Group is a formidable competitor to Expedia.

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ATPI Limited

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ATPI Limited, based in the UK, specializes in travel management services with a focus on corporate travel, marine and energy sectors, sports, and corporate event management.

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Unlike Expedia, ATPI not only handles corporate travel but also manages sports events, giving it a distinct competitive edge. In 2021, ATPI expanded its footprint by adding 13 new service locations supported by local brands such as Via Nova in Buenos Aires, Melcom Travel and Tours in Ghana, Rickshaw Travels in Tanzania, and Quang Thinh Travel Co. in Vietnam.

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According to ATPI’s data, its global network now spans over 100 service locations across 75 markets. This growth trajectory positions ATPI as one of the fastest-growing competitors to Expedia in the travel management industry.

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Conclusion 

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Choosing the right Expedia competitor is crucial for a small, independent rental property owner. Consider these factors when comparing options: 

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• Look for differentiation 
• Assess reach
• Ensure the platform aligns with your target audience. 
• Functionality is key
• Compare commissions and fees

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Evaluate these aspects to select a booking channel that enhances your rental property’s visibility and efficiently meets your business goals.

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