Expedia Group has launched Travel Shops, a new feature that brings shoppable storefronts to the travel industry. 

On its Expedia iOS app, the company introduced over 100 curated shops from social media creators, celebrities, and brand partners.

Unveiled in May, Travel Shops allows creators to share and monetize their travel recommendations through first-of-their-kind shoppable storefronts on the Expedia app. 

This initial release in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada is part of an invite-only wave preceding a wider launch planned for 2025.

“Travelers are already getting inspiration through Instagram and TikTok, so creating a path to go from looking to booking is a natural evolution that meets travelers where they’re at,” said Lauri Metrose, SVP of Global Communications at Expedia Group, in a news release.

The launch includes storefronts from travel influencers such as Brett Conti, Renee Roaming, and Oneika Raymond. Additionally, Expedia partners with well-traveled individuals and organizations to offer curated hotel collections:

• Actor Jaime Camil shares his favorite hotels for family relaxation and heritage travel in Mexico.
• Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk features top hotels in Liverpool and the Netherlands.
• Arsenal FC becomes the first sports franchise to integrate with Travel Shops, offering stays inspired by away games and players’ preferred hotels.
• Media publishers Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Variety create shops for their readers and social followers.
• Destination marketing organizations, including Travel Alberta, Visit Orlando, Visit The USA, and Go Dominican Republic, use Travel Shops to highlight local accommodations and experiences.

Expedia has designed Travel Shops for ease of use and commission earning. Creators can generate links to their Shops, Collections, or individual properties to share with followers. The company plans to open Shop creation and monetization to all travelers next year, with a waitlist now available.

Social Media’s Impact on Travel Decisions

Social media continues to shape travel trends, with recent data highlighting its significant impact on consumer decision-making. 

A recent study by justfly.com reveals Facebook’s dominant position in audience engagement, capturing nearly half of Gen Z and over 70% of older demographics. YouTube also maintains strong popularity across generations.

The research indicates that younger consumers rely heavily on social media for travel planning. 

Specifically, 81% of Gen Z and 75% of millennials consider social media when choosing a destination. While the influence is less pronounced among older groups, it remains substantial, with 50% of Generation X and 32% of baby boomers acknowledging social media’s role in their travel planning.