Who Owns Expedia?

Expedia was founded in 1996 by Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink within Microsoft as one of the first online travel agencies. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for digital travel solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the online travel category for generations. The service was launched to help consumers book travel online during the early days of internet commerce, when most travel bookings were still made through traditional travel agents. This strategic positioning demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to create differentiated travel solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.

The platform was spun off from Microsoft as part of Expedia Group's IPO in 1999, allowing the brand to focus exclusively on the travel market. This strategic integration demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to integrate into larger technology corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the travel industry. Throughout the 2000s, Expedia expanded rapidly, adding new services like car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages to its original flight and hotel offerings. This strategic diversification demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to serve multiple traveler segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the online travel industry.

Expedia pioneered many features now standard in online travel booking, including package deals, dynamic packaging, and comprehensive comparison tools. This continued evolution demonstrated Expedia's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing travel requirements and technological advancements. The brand has continued to innovate with mobile applications, personalized recommendations, and AI-powered travel planning features. This continued excellence demonstrates Expedia's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing travel dynamics and consumer preferences. The brand's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of online travel and consumer-focused travel solutions.