Australia: Expedia takes first step to end rate parity clauses
The company has bowed to industry pressure and taken action independently of any government or authority edict to waive its contracted narrow-rate parity.
According to a memo sent to lodging partners, President Expedia Lodging Partner Services, Cyril Ranque, says it has opted to remove and waive any contractual rights to enforce its previous narrow-rate MFN (Most Favoured Nation) clauses.
The move means partner hotels listed on Expedia can now compete with the company if it so chooses, freely able to offer lower rates via independent promotions or tactical rates via alternate booking channels such as their own websites.
Amended copies of Expedia's Deed of Waiver and Notice of Amendment have been sent to all lodging partners across Australia.
