Study Shows Canadians Rely on Loyalty Programs to Make Travel Possible

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - Jan 21, 2015) - Expedia.ca today formally introduced a new rewards program, Expedia+, that will see travellers earning travel rewards across a variety of travel products and multiple platforms. Expedia+ features no blackouts when redeeming points, gives users the ability to earn additional points when booking via the Expedia mobile app and even allows consumers to 'triple dip' when used in conjunction other points programs. This new rewards program comes at a time when Canadians are seeking loyalty programs more than ever to help maximize their travel dollars.

A recent survey commissioned by Expedia.ca found that Canadians love -- and, to a significant extent, rely on -- travel rewards programs to help meet their travel goals. Almost seven in 10 (69 per cent) Canadians are members of a travel rewards program while another 68 per cent say they'd be likely to join a new travel loyalty program, with Quebecers showing the highest appetite to join one (76 per cent).

"We are thrilled to launch Expedia+, offering Canadians a new way to earn and redeem reward points and helping to bring travellers closer to their next vacation," said Sean Shannon, Managing Director of Expedia.ca. "It's rare to find a loyalty program that doesn't tie you to a single airline or hotel and even allows you to use more than one program at the same time. Providing Expedia+ members this choice and control is at the heart of what Expedia.ca is all about -- and as Canada's leading full-service online travel provider*, we wanted to offer a program that thanks our customers for their continued loyalty."

Not tied to a single hotel chain or airline, Expedia+ members will be able to earn points when booking any one of the 400 airlines or 365,000 hotels worldwide, along with activities and select vacation packages and car rentals offered on Expedia.ca. The program also features an extended hotel price guarantee program, an offering 82 per cent of Canadians say provides the most value in a rewards program, and does not impose blackout periods, ideal for 86 per cent of Canadians who say having no blackout periods adds real value to a rewards program.

CANADIANS LOVE TRAVEL REWARDS PROGRAMS
Of those who have experience with travel rewards programs, 87 per cent agree that they are well worthwhile and offer true value. And when it comes to what they value most, 71 per cent of travel reward members agree they make saving for a vacation easier. In fact, almost half (40 per cent) of travel rewards program members say they rely on them to make their vacation plans possible at all.

"We know how important it is for Canadians to monitor and manage costs associated with planning and booking their next vacation," said Shannon. "Whether it's a weekend away or an overseas adventure, Expedia+ offers Canadians a smart and simple way to earn points that they can use towards their next trip while enjoying their current travel."

Among other key findings from Expedia.ca's survey:

• Canadians love to travel -- 88 per cent took an average of three vacations last year.
• Women (63 per cent) are more likely than men (56 per cent) to book a trip when they are able to use their rewards.
• And when it comes to age, 18 - 34 year olds are most likely to agree that travel rewards make it easier to travel (72 per cent).

THE MORE YOU BOOK, THE MORE YOU EARN
Earning points is easy and can be done in a variety of ways and across multiple platforms, including online and via the Expedia travel app. The more Expedia+ members book, the more they can redeem points towards future hotel and package bookings.

Unlimited flexibility means that members not only accumulate points when booking their own travel, but can also earn points on bookings for family and friends. Base point earnings start at the following:

• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on hotels, packages with a hotel, activities and select car rentals
• Double-up on flights by earning 1 point per $5 spent and airline frequent flyer miles
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on flight + car packages
• Earn triple the points when booking your travel on the Expedia mobile app
• Triple up on points programs, meaning you can earn Expedia+ points on top of frequent flyer miles and any points generated from credit cards used to make your booking
• For a limited time, earn double the points on packages booked this winter

With a three-tiered earning structure (+blue, +silver and +gold), Expedia+ members have access to various +VIP Access benefits that include bonus points, priority customer care and exclusive hotel amenities. Free membership automatically gives members +blue status, including access to exclusive benefits such as the Hotel Price Guarantee, members-only pricing and exclusive travel deals. According to Expedia.ca's research, more than half (54 per cent) of Canadians say that travel rewards programs make it possible for them to upgrade their travel experience.

Membership is free. Expedia.ca customers can join Expedia+ by visiting www.expedia.ca/rewards.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY
This study was conducted for Expedia.ca by Northstar Research Partners, a globally integrated insights consulting firm. This study was among 1,000 Canadians who have travelled for leisure in the past year or have a future trip booked for leisure. Surveys were completed between December 12^th and 15^th, 2014. The sample is weighted to ensure it is representative of the targeted Canadian population in terms of region. Assumes a random sample with a margin of error of +/- 5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

ABOUT EXPEDIA CANADA
Expedia.ca is the nation's most-visited full-service online travel provider. To help Canadians plan and purchase travel, Expedia.ca offers the best combination of scheduled and charter flights, car and hotel reservations, vacation packages, destination activities, cruises, and travel insurance. Expedia customers are supported by customer support agents available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a toll-free number and email response.

Follow Expedia.ca on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and download the free Expedia Mobile App.

Expedia.ca is owned and operated by Expedia, Inc. Expedia, Expedia.ca and the Airplane logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-5030

* Source: comScore Media Metrix, Canada, Online Travel Agents category, Jan - Nov 2014