Setting up Expedia Local Expert

Expedia is no longer accepting new partners. Only partners, those with Expedia Local Expert accounts, can use the integration with Checkfront. As a result, this integration is now only available to Operators with existing partnerships.

 

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Learn how to set up the Expedia Local Expert integration, including what additional options are available.

 

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Which plans include this feature?

Legacy:  Soho, Pro, Plus, Enterprise, Flex
New:  Starter, Growth (Subscription), Growth (Per Booking), Managed
→ Learn more about our new plans or how to change your plan.

What industry does this feature apply to?

X Accommodations | ✓ Activities  | X Tours  | X Rentals  | X Adventures | X Escape Rooms | Learn More

Where can I find this feature using the top menu?

Manage > Integrations > Channels > Expedia Local Expert
 

What more do I need to use this feature?

• Admin permissions to manage Integrations.
  
  

Which Checkfront version supports this feature - classic, new or both?

• This feature is available in both our classic version using items (Inventory > Items) and our newest version using products (Inventory > Products).  → Learn more about products

 

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Local Expert, by Expedia, enables your Customers to plan, reserve, and book activities using the inventory in your Checkfront account. Bookings made through Expedia are updated in your Checkfront system, keeping your inventory in sync and up-to-date.

 

If you want to connect to Expedia Lodging, this is done by using our integration with myallocator.  Follow this guide to get started with myallocator: Myallocator: Setup in myallocator.

 

Expedia Local Expert Account An Expedia Local Expert account is required to activate this integration, so if you do not currently have an account, visit https://join.localexpertpartnercentral.com to apply for one. A member of the Expedia team then reviews your application to assess your company’s eligibility for Local Expert. Once Expedia approves, you may return to enable the integration within Checkfront.

 

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To configure the integration in your Checkfront account, navigate to the Integrations area (Manage > Integrations), hover over the Expedia tile in the Channels section, and click on the tile to open the activation window.

 

If you already have an Expedia Local Expert account, when the activation window opens, click on the blue Activate button, as seen in the screenshot above.  

The activation window updates with multiple configuration options to better streamline the integration to your requirements.  

 

The Add-on Setup modal displays a green button labelled Send Activation Email to Expedia.

Click on the button to inform Expedia of your interest in linking your Local Expert account with your Checkfront account. An Expedia representative then discusses the integration and lets you know if further information is required.

When the email is sent, the activation window changes to reflect this by labelling the green button Activation Email Sent!.

 

There are additional options to consider in the modal:

 

If you check this option, then a POS payment applies to all bookings in Checkfront which originate in Expedia.  

 

This option gives you control over the default booking status of reservations made through Expedia. When a booking arrives in your Checkfront Booking Manager, it automatically assigns the status you choose here.

Selecting Paid does not automatically register a payment in the Checkfront invoice. You need to have the Apply POS Payment option checked for that.

 

These options determine the minimum and maximum age for Expedia's ticket types.

You do not need to use each ticket type. Ticket age ranges must not overlap when applied to the same item, except for the Traveler ticket type.

If multiple ticket type age ranges overlap on an item, then only one of the parameters is used to determine the item's prices.

The special Traveler ticket type is used when items have group pricing or lack any other applicable ticket types. It is never used with other ticket types.

 

When generating your items' prices, these options determine how your  Checkfront item parameters map to Expedia's ticket types.

 

From a Checkfront standpoint, your work is now done. The rest of the activation completes on the Expedia end.