SEATTLE, May 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans look to
brighter days ahead, today, Expedia® launches its Travel Companions
Report in collaboration with singer, songwriter and actor,
Joe Jonas. The report uncovers 80%
of American adults feel stressed at the thought of booking
international trips, and 60% state they need a helping hand when
booking travel compared to pre-COVID. And so, Expedia and
Joe Jonas are teaming up to offer
travelers an actual Helping Hand to help reduce
stress as they make their way back out there.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8686553-expedia-travel-companions-report-helping-hands-joe-jonas
Available today in extremely limited quantities are 250 exact
replicas of Joe Jonas' right hand,
created to symbolize the support and reassurance Expedia aims to
bring to travelers. Recognizing that for many, the idea of booking
their first trip since the start of the pandemic may come with
feelings of hesitation and uncertainty, Expedia's Helping Hand is a
symbol of the travel company's new commitment to being the ultimate
travel companion.
A limited-edition piece of art, the Helping Hands were created
using a 3D printer and stereolithography technology. Every hand has
been individually painted with custom artwork, then numbered (by
hand), and signed by Jonas. Helping Hands can be redeemed now while
supplies last, at helpinghand.expedia.com.
"It's going to take time for travelers to adjust to a
post-pandemic life and the new norms that this may entail –we want
to make sure we are there for them, every step of the way.
Providing a helping hand to travelers is our mission, whether it's
a physical hand to hold for added comfort, or the act of arming
them with all the information they need to confidently plan their
next trip. We're on a multi-year journey to becoming a travel
company that is obsessed with our travelers, understanding their
wants and needs," said Nisreene Atassi, Sr. Director and Global
Head of Communications for Expedia Brand. "Planning a trip
shouldn't be stressful and by promising our unwavering commitment
and support, travelers can focus on getting the most out of their
vacations once again."
Joe Jonas
comments: "I've spent so much of my life on the road –
touring the world and playing in virtually every major city.
Traveling has always been a personal passion for me, but after more
than a year spent at home, I am eager to get back out there. I
know that travel is better when I have a great companion to explore
with – Expedia gets that too. I'm excited to team up with them to
help people feel confident about traveling the world again,
whenever they're ready, by lending a helping hand: one that
supports travelers at every step of the way. Because let's face it
– it matters who you travel with."
As a way of offering a helping hand to communities impacted
during the pandemic, Expedia is donating USD $100,000 to Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian
organization working on the front lines of crisis, disaster,
poverty, and climate change to create a world where everyone can
prosper. The donation will provide emergency supplies, food, clean
water and support to communities facing the ongoing impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Americans' thoughts on returning to travel
Despite vaccination rollouts gaining momentum around the world,
travelers are still feeling anxious about planning their first
trip. According to Expedia's Travel Companions Report, most
Americans (57%) have been so overwhelmed by planning their next
trip, they have put off hitting "book" three or four times and are
estimating needing 10+ hours to plan a trip.
When it comes to getting back out there, travelers noted the
importance of getting help understanding travel restrictions and
guidelines (30%); having access to information about whether a
destination requires vaccinations or testing (29%); easily being
able to check the policies of bookings (27%); and interestingly
now, more than ever, Americans say they're looking for inspiration
on where to go when it's safe (27%). In-trip, reducing stress and
anxiety is also a factor. Some of the ways travelers typically
combat anxiety, include:
- Listening to music (44%)
- Asking for a helping hand from a fellow traveler (44%)
- Reading (41%)
- Meditating (40%)
- Watching a movie (40%)
Today, it is clear the thirst for travel is real, but support is
more important than ever before.
Most Americans (60%) agree that, even before the pandemic, they
were grateful for their vacation "helping hands" – the travel
companions that guided them to create the best trip possible. When
asked which helping hands they missed most, respondents rank their
go-to travel app the highest, followed by the drivers, the tour
guide, the hotel concierge, and the hotel front desk staff.
"It's clear from our Travel Companions Report that people put an
immense value on feeling taken care of and supported during their
journeys and there are so many people in the travel industry that
contribute to a traveler's experience" says Atassi. "At Expedia,
we've made a number of updates to our site to deliver that
reassurance and confidence to our customers, including more
self-service tools that provide instant answers and more ways to
earn and redeem Rewards points."
For more information, visit Expedia.com to read our pledge
to customers.
Notes to Editor:
About the Travel Companions Study
Expedia's Travel Companions report was launched to discover
attitudes to travel in 2021. OnePoll surveyed 2000 adult
respondents in the USA, who have
been on holiday as an adult. Dates of survey: 1st – 7th April 2021.
Traveller wellbeing is our priority. Expedia understands how the
global impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect
travelers everywhere, as well as the importance of abiding by
government restrictions and practicing social distancing.
Travellers can visit the Expedia COVID-19 travel resource
page for information to make informed travel decisions. for
information to make informed travel decisions.
Expedia.com® is one of the world's leading full-service
travel brands, with a mission of helping travelers get the
most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need
all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of
their budget and above all else, feel supported every step of the
way.
Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale
allows us to understand our travelers better than anyone else,
delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our
personalized experiences backed by incredible technology, enables
us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across
accommodations, transportation, activities, and experiences, that
help you get the most out of your journey.
Use our mobile
app or visit http://www.expedia.com to plan
your journey with us.
© 2021 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All
rights reserved. Expedia and the Airplane logo are trademarks
or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST#
2029030-50.
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