Expedia Slashes 1,500 Jobs Over 8% of Staff Face the Axe in Travel Tech Shakeup

SWANSEA, UK - JUNE 19, 2021: Smartphone with Expedia app logo with plane toy on world map backround. Travel application, vacation planning
Expedia Streamlines Operations, Prepares for Growth Under New CEO
Seattle, WA – Online travel leader Expedia Group announced a workforce reduction of about 9%, impacting roughly 1,500 employees. This strategic move comes alongside a recent leadership change and aims to revitalize the company’s growth trajectory.
The restructuring will allow Expedia to prioritize key areas for future expansion, according to a company spokesperson. This shift coincides with the appointment of Ariane Gorin as CEO, effective May 13th. Gorin, who previously led the company’s thriving enterprise division, is expected to spearhead a renewed growth strategy.
The decision follows a disappointing holiday season and a lower-than-expected outlook. Expedia’s Q4 2023 gross bookings fell short of analyst expectations, highlighting the need for a strategic shift. The company faces stiff competition from online travel rivals like Airbnb and Booking Holdings.
The job reductions, impacting roughly 9% of Expedia’s pre-2024 workforce of 17,100, began being communicated to affected employees this week. Notably, half of Expedia’s workforce already holds technology-related positions, underscoring the company’s commitment to both technical advancement and renewed growth.
This strategic restructuring, coupled with the leadership change, signals Expedia’s proactive approach to navigating a competitive landscape and positioning itself for future success.