Expedia forms partnership with Lonely Planet

Expedia, the online booking giant, has formed a partnership with one of the most widely recognized and respected names in the travel industry, namely Lonely Planet. Although Lonely Planet is best known for its print guidebooks, it will now also offer internet users the opportunity to book accommodation, thanks to a new agreement with Expedia, as well as with HostelWorld.com. The deal aims to combine the best of two worlds. Expedia’s reputation rests on its impressive list of hotels, while Lonely Planet is known for offering professional reviews written by some 360 authors, located in all corners of the globe. Thanks to this partnership, however, internet users will be able to enjoy both at the same time, and all of this will be complemented by candid reviews posted by travellers.

Troy Suda, Lonely’s Planet’s head of hotels and online business, pointed out that the contemporary traveller looks for both competitive prices, as well as an array of information at his/her fingertips. Tamer Tamar, representing Expedia, noted that the new partnership with Lonely Planet serves as clear evidence of the online travel booking company’s goal to work with a much broader range of firms and brand-names in the travel industry than ever before. Tamar also emphasized that the hotel booking service offered through the Lonely Planet site, but generated by Expedia, aims to provide Lonely Planet visitors travel options specially selected to meet their interests and tastes.

While the partnership between Expedia and Lonely Planet may appeal mostly to those who are willing to spend a little more on hotel accommodation, travellers looking for hostels will be pleased to know that a similar deal was struck with HostelWorld.com earlier today.

www.expedia.com