As the Internet plays a growing role in how consumers book travel, more African hoteliers and other travel companies are turning to Expedia to reach the company's millions of customers worldwide.
Expedia operates more than 80 online booking sites in nearly 60 countries across the globe under the Expedia and Hotels.com brands.
"The world of travel is not confined to the borders of your own country; there is a global audience of international travellers you need to speak to," says Ross Kata, market manager for Africa at Expedia.
"We believe that our global reach, paired with the local understanding of our team in Africa, gives African travel suppliers a valuable way to reach the world of online travel bookers."
Hoteliers and travel companies that partner with Expedia automatically have their properties or offerings displayed on all Expedia and Hotels.com domains and on thousands of active affiliate sites worldwide.
Consumers who book travel on Expedia sites have access to virtually all aspects of travel whether for business or holiday travel, including flights, hotels, car hire, and destination activities.
"Travel in Africa is growing, and even with the global economic slowdown we have seen a year-on-year increase of 28 percent in the number of people booking travel to South Africa on Expedia and Hotels.com sites," adds Kata.
"Our data also shows that the top three origination points for Expedia customers booking travel to South Africa are the UK, the US, and Germany, which enables us to customise the way we market South Africa as a destination to these customers."