Expedia Group Quiz: What’s the Real Story?

Expedia did not start as an independent travel company. It was launched as an internal project within one of the world's most recognised technology firms, using the internet to help everyday consumers book travel without going through a traditional agent. It later spun off as a standalone public company.

Expedia's early direction was shaped by a key leader who pitched the idea of bringing travel bookings online directly to consumers. He saw an opportunity to cut through the complexity of traditional travel agencies and make pricing transparent for everyone. He also went on to lead other major ventures after Expedia.

In 2001, Microsoft sold a majority stake in Expedia to a large US media and internet company led by a well-known business executive. This ownership shift marked the start of a new phase for Expedia, which was gradually brought under an umbrella that also included several other travel-related platforms.

In July 2023, Expedia Group brought three of its major consumer travel brands under one shared loyalty programme, allowing users to earn and redeem rewards across flights, hotels and holiday rentals. This was a significant move towards unifying the group's offerings and improving repeat usage across its platforms.

Expedia sold its corporate travel management arm in 2021 to a company that specialises in business travel. The decision was part of a broader strategy to focus on its core consumer-facing travel platforms. The buyer is one of the largest players in the global business travel management industry.