Today, Expedia Group launches Open World™ Accelerator, an initiative that builds on its Open World vision to power partners of all sizes with the technology and supply needed to thrive in the travel market. This new initiative is designed to advance innovation in the travel industry, by supporting startups and small and medium sized business (SMBs) to fast-track their growth and innovate on Expedia’s purpose-built technology platform.

Aimed at entrepreneurs globally, the first program launching today focuses on empowering startups and SMBs working to increase access for underserved travelers, tying into Expedia Group’s Open World™ social impact and sustainability strategy and focus on democratizing the travel economy. Next year, Open World Accelerator initiative will launch an additional program focused on co-developing new capabilities.

“Travel is an economic driver for many communities around the world, but it’s a complex industry to enter and to innovate scalable products that address specific traveler needs. This is why our Open World vision is so critical to our desire to put the traveler first,” said Archana Arunkumar, Senior Vice President of Platform. “Expedia Group’s mission is to power travel for everyone, everywhere. Open World Accelerator is specifically designed to drive innovation in the industry, remove barriers to travel, and enable startups and SMBs to build capabilities on Expedia’s Open World™ technology platform that significantly improve the experience for every traveler.”

How the program works

The first Open World Accelerator program focuses on startups and SMBs working on making the travel industry more open and accessible. Each program will include a six-month curriculum for selected companies, providing them with a wide range of resources to speed up their growth. This includes business and technology development support, access to Expedia Group and wider travel industry experts for mentorship and coaching, participation in industry networking events, access to Expedia Group platform and products, and a non-equity grant.

How to apply

Start-ups and SMBs globally are welcome to apply online to join the first Open World Accelerator program from today until 21^st October if they meet the following criteria:

• Working to make the travel industry more open and accessible
• Currently have at least a minimum viable product (MVP)
• Were founded less than 10 years ago

A judging panel from across Expedia Group will review the applications to select the participating companies, who will then join the program kick starting in January 2023.

For more information on Open World Accelerator program, including how to apply and terms and conditions, please visit: www.expediagroup.com/open-world-accelerator

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group, Inc. companies power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Our organization is made up of three pillars: Expedia Product & Technology, focused on the group’s product and technical strategy and offerings; Expedia Brands, housing all our consumer brands; and Expedia for Business, consisting of business-to-business solutions and relationships throughout the travel ecosystem. The Expedia Group family of brands includes: Expedia®, Hotels.com®, Expedia® Partner Solutions, Vrbo®, trivago®, Orbitz®, Travelocity®, Hotwire®, Wotif®, ebookers®, CheapTickets®, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, CarRentals.com™, and Expedia Cruises™.

For more information, visit www.expediagroup.com. Follow us on Twitter @expediagroup and check out our LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/expedia/.

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