Expedia Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) has done a deal with UK-based travel agent and airline firm Thomas Cook Plc (LON:TCG) which will see it boost sales in Europe.
In a statement, Expedia said it will over time provide Thomas Cook consumers with access to thousands more hotels for the company's city and domestic holiday businesses.
“We've always had profound respect for the Thomas Cook brand and we believe that our coming together will enhance our abilities to help more people to get out and see the world, while enhancing each of our competitive positions in the European market,” said Aman Bhutani, Expedia Group president.
"Expedia's Global Partner Solutions business brings to life the ability to leverage the strength of our technology and operations for our partners, powering leading brands with private label booking engines, agent tools, web services and operations for all travel products, including lodging, flights, packages, and car rentals.
“We are thrilled to add Thomas Cook to our roster of premier clients around the globe."
Deal to cut costs, says Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook, meanwhile, said the multi-year deal would offer customers over 60,000 more hotels in global city and European domestic locations.
The agreement will also “significantly reduce” the cost and complexity of its city breaks and hotel-only business, the company added.
Thomas Cook chief executive, Peter Fankhauser, said by simplifying its operations “this will free us up to focus on holidays to our own-brand and selected partner hotels in sun and beach locations”.
"The combination of Expedia's portfolio of hotels and best-in-class online technology will transform Thomas Cook's city breaks and hotel-only offer for customers while helping the business take an important step forward in delivering our strategy for profitable growth,” he said.
“I am confident this marks the first step in a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with Expedia."
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Expedia will use its technology to support bookings for hotels either on its own website or as part of a holiday package through Thomas Cook's primary websites, contact centres, stores and distribution to affiliated travel agents.