BELLEVUE, WA--(Marketwire -05/04/12)- Expedia.com, the world's leading online travel agency, today announced that as of its first anniversary, the Expedia Rewards program bestowed more than four billion rewards points on Expedia members in the United States. The Expedia Rewards loyalty program allows members to earn points on the hotels, flights, resorts, vacation packages and activities they book on Expedia.com.

3.7 million Expedia travelers signed up for Expedia Rewards in the first year of the program, averaging 7,000 travelers enrolling in Expedia Rewards each day. One program member earned more than 940,000 in the past year, while another topped 850,000 points. Members can earn up to two Expedia Rewards points per dollar spent on flights, hotels, activities and vacation packages that include a hotel. When hotels and flights are booked as a package -- booked simultaneously -- the rewards points earn rate rises.

The billions of points earned by Expedia customers represent only a portion of the rewards available to a traveler. Expedia designed its program to complement, rather than compete with, airline rewards programs and to allow consumers to "double dip." Expedia Rewards members who are part of an airline or eligible credit card loyalty program can continue to earn frequent flyer and credit card program points when they book through Expedia while at the same time earning Expedia Rewards points. And members are not limited to one hotel brand loyalty program. Expedia Rewards allows members to redeem points for coupons at more than 70,000 Expedia Special Rate hotels. Members can also vacation anywhere at any time, because Expedia Rewards have no blackout dates or capacity restrictions.

"3.7 million new members represent a fine first year for the Expedia Rewards program, but we're only just getting started," said Joe Megibow, vice president and general manager, Expedia.com. "On top of our already great package savings and deals, we are now the only online travel agency with a loyalty program like this. We think this last year has shown the booking with Expedia is more rewarding than ever, without compromise -- book with us and you continue to earn your airline miles in addition to earning Expedia points. Book anywhere else and that's not an option."

In addition to Expedia Rewards, the company features the Expedia Elite Plus Program, which gives members exclusive perks at select hotels. To qualify for Expedia Elite Plus, travelers need to stay 15 hotel nights or complete $10,000 worth of travel via Expedia in a calendar year. Once the traveler reaches either threshold they are automatically enrolled. Elite Plus travel benefits include free room upgrades, priority customer care and much more.

About ExpediaExpedia.com is the world's leading online travel site, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (http://www.expedia.com/, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide the latest technology and the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions, and services. With the Expedia Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com customers can get the best rates available online for all types of travel.

Expedia, Expedia.com, the Airplane logo, Expedia Rewards and Elite Plus are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. 2012 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-50

SOURCE: Expedia, Inc. Web site: http://www.expedia.com/

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A Rewarding Year for Expedia Customers: Expedia Customers Earned 4.3 Billion Points in First Year of Expedia Rewards ...