Expedia.co.in launches in India

Expedia, the world's leading online travel company, has announced its entry into India with the launch of Expedia.co.in - the newest addition to Expedia’s global portfolio and the seventeenth Expedia branded site.

Its launch marks continued momentum for Expedia in its global expansion efforts, and further emboldens the company's leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.

"The launch of Expedia India provides us an additional foothold as we continue to invest aggressively in Asia to match the enormous scale and potential of the region," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Expedia, Inc.

"Our goal is to grow our international revenue to half of our total revenue, and burgeoning travel markets like India are key to achieving that goal."

In 2007, Expedia, Inc.'s international revenue accounted for 32 percent of worldwide revenue, up from 28 percent in 2006. The online travel market in India is projected to have strong growth potential, and Expedia is looking to establish a leadership position in the market.

Expedia.co.in has been designed specifically for Indian travelers, offering a global selection of nearly 80,000 hotels and over 3,000 attractions, with payment in Indian rupees. Expedia also provides fully localized service and an in-country customer care center staffed with dedicated agents who speak both Hindi and English.

"As the number of Indians traveling abroad continues to grow, the strength of Expedia's international supply gives us an advantage over existing travel providers in the market," said Sharat Dhall, managing director, Expedia India.

"We aim to be the International travel expert for Indians, who can now travel the world with confidence with Expedia.co.in."