Expedia says 'aloha' to Hawaii buy

The travel firm said the deal would enable it to significantly expand the destination services available through its websites. Financial details were not disclosed.

It added the move would also make it the first online travel firm to offer customers the option of booking in-destination activities online or on location at their vacation property.

Activity World, which has about 8 employees, operates more than two-dozen kiosks in hotels and other locations on Maui, offering a range of services such as helicopter sightseeing tours and snorkelling excursions.

The deal follows news earlier this week that Expedia's acquisitive parent IAC snapped up French online, which will rebranded as Expedia Corporate Travel Europe once the deal closes.

IAC has made a number of acquisitions in the travel sector over the last six months, including French firm, US-based, and most recently travel research website.

Its travel websites helped boost the company's overall fourth quarter and. The travel division itself reported a sales jump of 41% to $677.4m compared with the equivalent quarter in 2002 and IAC claimed it sold more than $10bn in travel worldwide last year, making it one of the top five travel agents in the world.

6 November 2003:

6 August 2003:



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