Expedia and Ticketek launch 'ticket and travel' partnership

Expedia, the world's largest online travel company, have announced a partnership with leading ticketing agent Ticketek to launch exclusive travel packages for Les Misérables ticket holders; bringing together travel and ticketing bookings into a seamless online experience.

The growing trend in travel aligned with major entertainment events has seen both partners recognise and respond to demand for simple booking solutions, with the critically acclaimed musical Les Misérables (opening in Melbourne June 2014) presenting the first opportunity to collaborate.

Expedia Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Georg Ruebensal says the introduction of the partnership is the perfect fit for two leading players in their respective industries and a great way for Australians and New Zealanders to save money by combining their love of the arts with travel.

Ruebensal explained "we're thrilled to be entering into a partnership with Ticketek and can see great opportunity for both brands.

"Events, concerts and shows, like Les Misérables in Melbourne, are powerful motivators for travel bookings. Our packages will enable Ticketek ticket holders to access special flight and hotel package bundles for their events, leaving them with more money to enjoy their trip."

Ticketek Managing Director Cameron Hoy says the new partnership offers customers the ultimate convenience in booking a complete event experience, adding "we are continuing to invest in new and innovative ways to provide customers with the best possible ticket buying experience and we are excited to be collaborating with Expedia to enhance this further.

"Our partnership brings together the dynamic technology services of Ticketek and Expedia in a seamless ticket and travel booking solution.

"Les Misérables is the perfect event to launch our partnership, with thousands of customers across the country expected to descend on to the theatre capital of Australia to experience this remarkable production."

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher said that she was delighted that this alliance would provide a seamless and simple online experience for domestic and international visitors who have purchased tickets to Les Miserables.

Minister Asher stated "partnerships such as this promote the Melbourne experience and support our great hotels, restaurants, retail businesses and tourist attractions by offering greater choice to our visitors, which ultimately delivers economic benefits for Victoria.

"This exciting opportunity provides our visitors with the ability to enjoy special deals and we are delighted it will be available for future events and theatre productions."

Ticketek customers will be able to seamlessly book their Les Misérables tickets and choose their hotel and flights, with extra special savings available through an exclusive Expedia portal.

Advance tickets will be available to all Visa Credit, Debit and Prepaid cardholders from 9am (local time) Monday 7th October 2013 until 11.59pm (local time) Sunday 13th October 2013 or until presale tickets sell out at

http://www.visaentertainment.com.au