MICROSOFT BRINGS TRAVEL SERVICE NORTH
By Adnews Staff
Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Washington brought its Internet on-line travel service to Canada this week. Called Expedia, the service lists fares and prices in Canadian dollars, prints and delivers airline tickets locally and uses credit card billing address security. Customer support is available in French and English. Expedia uses the same database as travel agents use to research, book and purchase travel. The Hotel Directory features over 25,000 hotels around the world, with information such as rates and amenities. The service also plots the hotel location on a city map. Pictures and description are available for many hotels. The Fare Tracker service helps travelers find the best airfare between two cities of their choosing. Expedia World Guide includes cultural, historical and entertainment information for more than 300 domestic and international destinations. Expedia also has a forum for users to post questions and share tips with other travelers and features Mungo Park on-line adventure magazine. The publication highlights real-world exploration. Expedia is being promoted using Internet advertising created by Anderson & Lembke of San Francisco. Microsoft makes money with the service through commissions and advertising. Expedia was launched in the U.S. last October. It receives about 50,000 hits a day.