Expedia Partner Central: The Essential Handbook for Hotels
Hotels and Resorts, discover everything you need to know to maximize conversion on Expedia Partner Central
Table of Contents
- What is Expedia Partner Central?
- Why Hotels and Resorts Use Expedia Partner Central
- How to Become an Expedia Partner and Set Up Your Account
- How to Log into Expedia Partner Central
- Key Expedia Extranet Features and Tools
- Tips for Maximizing Your Visibility and Attracting Travelers
What is Expedia Partner Central?
Expedia Partner Central (EPC) is a platform designed to support hotel and resort managers in maximizing their property’s reach through the Expedia Group’s network. By listing on EPC, your property can connect with millions of travelers across a wide range of online travel agencies (OTAs) within the Expedia Group, including Expedia, Hotels.com, and Travelocity.
EPC offers a centralized suite of tools that makes it simple to manage your hotel’s listings, track bookings, adjust pricing and availability, and respond to reviews. With these features, you can efficiently update information in real-time and maintain a strong, competitive presence in the market.
Expedia was responsible for $104 billion in bookings in 2023
Why Hotels and Resorts Use Expedia Partner Central
Hotels and resorts leverage Expedia Partner Central for several reasons, primarily to increase visibility, streamline management processes, and gain access to valuable insights. Here’s why it has become an essential tool:
Global Visibility and Reach
Expedia’s vast network means hotels can reach millions of travelers from around the world. Whether your property is a boutique hotel or a large resort, EPC provides access to a diverse audience and facilitates international bookings.
Enhanced Management Tools
EPC provides intuitive tools for managing reservations, prices, and inventory. Instead of updating each OTA manually, hotels can use EPC to synchronize and control their listings on multiple platforms seamlessly.
Data-Driven Insights
The platform offers valuable insights to help hotels optimize performance, from occupancy trends to local event forecasts, enabling hotels to adjust rates accordingly and stay competitive in their market.
Revenue Optimization with Rev+
Expedia’s Rev+ tool allows hotel managers to monitor rates across competing properties, providing pricing recommendations based on market trends and seasonal demand.
Expedia Partner Central ultimately allows hoteliers to make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance profitability and improve the guest experience, while also reducing manual work through automation.
How to Become an Expedia Partner and Set Up Your Account
To list your property on Expedia Partner Central, you’ll first need to set up an account:
- Register Your Property: Go to the Expedia Partner Central website and click on “List Your Property.” You’ll be asked to provide basic details about your hotel or resort, including its location, room types, and amenities.
- Complete Your Profile: For optimal visibility, ensure your property profile is as complete as possible. Detailed descriptions, and accurate information about your amenities and services.
- Upload High-Quality Photos: Uploading high-quality, visually appealing photos is essential for attracting potential guests on Expedia Partner Central. Beautiful images and a visual style aligned with your hotel’s brand enhances credibility and draws viewers in, making it more likely they’ll book.
- Upload Room Rates and Availability: EPC allows you to set your rates and availability according to your preferences. You can upload specific rates for different seasons or holidays and set restrictions like minimum stay requirements.
- Verify Your Listing: Once you submit your information, Expedia will review and verify your listing. This process may take a few days, during which a representative may reach out with additional questions or requests for information.
63% more bookings on Expedia listings with high-quality photographs vs low-quality
Expedia Partner Central Login
To access the Expedia Partner Central dashboard, simply visit expediapartnercentral.com and enter your registered email and password. New users must first create an Expedia Partner account, which involves setting up a property profile as outlined in the previous section.
Once logged in, your dashboard will serve as your control center for managing all aspects of your property’s listing, bookings, and guest interactions.
Key Expedia Extranet Features and Tools
Expedia Partner Central provides a range of features designed to improve operational efficiency and maximize a property’s online appeal. Here are some of the most valuable tools available:
Rev+ Revenue Management Tool
This powerful tool offers real-time insights into room rates across your competitive set, giving you a clear view of how your rates stack up against similar properties. Rev+ also suggests pricing adjustments based on demand trends, allowing you to maximize revenue potential by aligning rates with market conditions.
Guest Experience Tool
Accessible under the “Guest Feedback” section, this tool consolidates guest reviews across Expedia platforms. You can respond to reviews directly, enabling you to address feedback promptly and showcase your commitment to guest satisfaction. Additionally, you can generate reports that identify trends in guest feedback, helping you spot areas for improvement.
Rate and Availability Management
EPC offers flexible options for adjusting rates and availability in response to demand or seasonality. For instance, you can set discounted rates for certain periods or enforce minimum stay requirements during peak times.
Calendar Syncing and Inventory Management
If you have multiple listings across various platforms, EPC’s integration with channel managers can synchronize your inventory, reducing the risk of overbooking. This feature ensures that your calendar reflects real-time availability across all OTAs.
Promotions and Deals
EPC allows you to create targeted promotions to increase bookings during slower periods. By offering discounts or perks, you can attract new customers and fill rooms that may otherwise go unbooked.
Tips for Maximizing Your Visibility and Attracting Travelers
To ensure your listing stands out on Expedia and other OTAs within the Expedia Group, consider the following tips:
Enhance Your Profile
Detailed descriptions make your property more appealing to potential guests. Include up-to-date room descriptions and be transparent about available amenities. Ensure your profile accurately reflects your property to avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
Optimize Your Photos
Did you know, hotel listings with 20+ beautiful, high-quality images get 136% more bookings than those that don’t? Here are a few tips to ensure your images stand out:
- Professional photography: Make sure you use a professional photographer experienced in hospitality images, as they understand how to capture lighting, space, and angles that appeal to online viewers.
- Consistency and Branding: Use filters or editing styles that reflect your brand identity. Consistency across images builds trust and communicates quality.
- Highlight Unique Features: Show off your most sought-after amenities, like a rooftop pool, scenic views, or on-site restaurant. These images can serve as selling points that set your property apart from competitors.
- Ensure Image Quality and Resolution: High-resolution images avoid pixelation and make a better impression on potential guests. Expedia recommends using photos with a minimum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels for maximum clarity.
Implement Flexible Cancellation Policies
According to recent Expedia data, travelers prefer accommodations with refundable rates. By offering a flexible cancellation policy, you can attract more travelers who are concerned about changing plans. Listings with “Fully Refundable” options are often prioritized in search results, giving your property additional visibility.
Leverage Promotions During Low-Season
Increase your booking rates during low-occupancy periods by running seasonal promotions. Offering incentives like early booking discounts or package deals can make your property more appealing, particularly during off-peak seasons.
Respond to Guest Reviews Promptly
Addressing both positive and negative reviews in a professional manner reflects well on your property and demonstrates a commitment to guest satisfaction. Reviews play a key role in travelers’ booking decisions, so timely and thoughtful responses can positively influence your reputation.
Monitor Competitor Rates
Use Rev+ to track competitor pricing and adjust your rates as needed. In a competitive market, staying informed about your local competitors’ rates can help you attract more bookings and boost revenue.
Consult with Your Expedia Market Manager
EPC assigns market managers who can provide personalized guidance and tips to help you optimize your listing. Reach out to your designated market manager to discuss strategies specific to your location and target audience.
Conclusion
Expedia Partner Central serves as an invaluable tool for hoteliers and resort managers looking to expand their reach, enhance revenue, and manage their online presence effectively.
In the end, what really is going to make the difference in generating revenue on Expedia platforms, is the attractiveness of your listings. To make your listings as attractive as possible, it all comes down to how good the photos are of your hotel or resort.
So make flawless photos that tell a story with OCUS, the 360° solution that brings AI, automation and a global network of photographers together to make your listing irresistible.
- Access world-class photographers, anywhere
- Automatically enhance images with AI
- Ensure brand consistency