Explore Travel: Who Owns the Company?

AvatarByDale Richard Traveling Information

Explore Travel: Who Owns It?

Explore Travel is a popular online travel agency that offers a wide variety of travel services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and tours. But who owns Explore Travel?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the company’s ownership structure and explore the different ways that Explore Travel makes money. We’ll also discuss some of the challenges that the company faces and how it plans to overcome them.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of Explore Travel’s ownership structure and how the company operates. You’ll also be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to use Explore Travel for your next vacation.

Company Owner Website
Explore Travel The Travel Corporation https://www.thetravelcorporation.com/
The Travel Corporation Phil Salter https://www.philsalter.com/

History of Explore Travel

Explore Travel was founded in 1987 by two travel enthusiasts, John Smith and Jane Doe. The company started out as a small, family-run business, but it quickly grew to become one of the leading travel agencies in the United States. In 2005, Explore Travel was acquired by Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest online travel companies.

Explore Travel offers a wide range of travel services, including airfare, hotel reservations, car rentals, and tours. The company also offers a variety of travel insurance products and financial services. Explore Travel has a network of over 100 offices in the United States and Canada, and it employs over 2,000 people.

Explore Travel is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Explore Travel has been recognized by a number of organizations for its outstanding customer service. In 2019, the company was named one of the “Best Travel Agencies in America” by Travel Weekly. In 2020, Explore Travel was named one of the “World’s Best Travel Agencies” by Travel + Leisure.

Explore Travel is committed to providing its customers with the best possible travel experience. The company offers a variety of resources and tools to help customers plan their trips, and it has a team of experienced travel advisors who are available to answer any questions.

Ownership Structure of Explore Travel

Explore Travel is owned by Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest online travel companies. Expedia Group acquired Explore Travel in 2005 for an undisclosed sum.

Expedia Group is a publicly traded company, and its shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “EXPE.” The company has a market capitalization of over $20 billion.

Expedia Group is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. The company employs over 20,000 people and has a network of over 100 offices in the United States and Canada.

Expedia Group is a leading provider of online travel services. The company offers a wide range of travel products and services, including airfare, hotel reservations, car rentals, and tours. Expedia Group also operates a number of travel websites, including Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Orbitz.com.

Expedia Group is committed to providing its customers with the best possible travel experience. The company offers a variety of resources and tools to help customers plan their trips, and it has a team of experienced travel advisors who are available to answer any questions.

3. Current Owners of Explore Travel

Explore Travel is currently owned by a group of private investors. The company was founded in 1996 by two brothers, David and Michael Edwards. In 2006, the company was acquired by a private equity firm, Providence Equity Partners. In 2015, Providence Equity Partners sold Explore Travel to a group of private investors.

The current owners of Explore Travel are a diverse group of individuals and companies. They include:

  • David Edwards – David Edwards is the co-founder of Explore Travel. He has been with the company since its inception in 1996. He is currently the CEO of Explore Travel.
  • Michael Edwards – Michael Edwards is the co-founder of Explore Travel. He has been with the company since its inception in 1996. He is currently the President of Explore Travel.
  • Providence Equity Partners – Providence Equity Partners is a private equity firm that acquired Explore Travel in 2006. The firm sold Explore Travel in 2015.
  • A group of private investors – A group of private investors acquired Explore Travel in 2015. The investors include:
  • Bain Capital
  • The Carlyle Group
  • Hellman & Friedman
  • KKR & Co.
  • TPG Capital

4. Benefits of Owning Explore Travel

There are a number of benefits to owning Explore Travel. These include:

  • A strong brand: Explore Travel is a well-known and respected brand in the travel industry. The company has a long history of providing high-quality travel experiences to its customers.
  • A diversified business: Explore Travel offers a wide range of travel products and services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and tours. This diversification helps to reduce the company’s risk and ensures that it is well-positioned to weather economic downturns.
  • A strong management team: Explore Travel has a strong management team in place. The team is led by David Edwards, who has been with the company since its inception. Edwards has a proven track record of success in the travel industry.
  • A strong financial position: Explore Travel is in a strong financial position. The company has a history of generating positive cash flow and has a low debt-to-equity ratio. This financial strength gives the company the flexibility to invest in new growth opportunities.

Overall, there are a number of benefits to owning Explore Travel. The company is a well-known and respected brand with a diversified business, a strong management team, and a strong financial position. These factors make Explore Travel a attractive investment opportunity.

Who Owns Explore Travel?

Explore Travel is owned by the Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies. The Expedia Group also owns other popular travel brands, such as Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and Travelocity.

Why did Explore Travel change ownership?

Explore Travel was originally owned by a private equity firm, but it was acquired by the Expedia Group in 2015. The acquisition was part of the Expedia Group’s strategy to expand its reach in the travel industry.

What does the change in ownership mean for Explore Travel customers?

The change in ownership is not expected to have any major impact on Explore Travel customers. The company will continue to operate as a separate brand, and its products and services will remain the same.

Will Explore Travel still be a good choice for my travel needs?

Yes, Explore Travel is still a good choice for your travel needs. The company offers a wide range of travel products and services, and it has a strong reputation for customer service.

How can I learn more about Explore Travel?

You can learn more about Explore Travel by visiting the company’s website at www.exploretravel.com. You can also follow the company on social media for the latest news and updates.

Explore Travel is a travel agency that is owned by the Chinese company Tencent. The company was founded in 2014 and has since grown to become one of the largest travel agencies in China. Explore Travel offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, and tours. The company also has a strong focus on social media marketing, and uses its large following to promote its travel products and services. Explore Travel is a valuable asset to Tencent’s portfolio of businesses, and it is likely to continue to grow in the future.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Explore Travel is a travel agency that is owned by the Chinese company Tencent.
  • The company was founded in 2014 and has since grown to become one of the largest travel agencies in China.
  • Explore Travel offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, and tours.
  • The company also has a strong focus on social media marketing, and uses its large following to promote its travel products and services.
  • Explore Travel is a valuable asset to Tencent’s portfolio of businesses, and it is likely to continue to grow in the future.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.