Stuart Udy, the regional director of the Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), has confirmed his retirement 15 years after he launched the program in this market.
Sydney-based Udy will step down in the coming months and says it has been an honor, and a wonderful journey, leading the development of Expedia TAAP in the Asia Pacific region.
“Coaching its evolution and impact on the travel industry has been a true highlight of my career,” adds Udy.
Touching on how far the program has come, Udy notes that the turnover of Expedia TAAP in its first year, 2010, now equates to less than its average turnover for a few days in 2025. “That speaks volumes about the incredible success and the industry’s response to what we have built.”
. . . Record Start
Uday says New Zealand is ‘certainly a very strong market for TAAP in per capita terms’, as he highlights the ever-increasing sales from Kiwi travel agents. “We are experiencing fabulous growth this year with many records tumbling over the past weeks,” he adds.
. . . Well Wishes
Expedia TAAP has grown to a significant industry supplier under Udy’s tenure.
“We’ve worked with Stuart for many years and his proactivity and commitment to the New Zealand travel trade is evidenced by his frequent visits to New Zealand,” says ATPI md Grant Bevin.
“He makes the effort to meet as many agents as possible which is why he always has a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges we might have. We really consolidated Expedia’s position in this market. He’s been a valued partner.”
Udy is pictured above with his wife Cath, ready for his next adventure, retirement.
