Full-Service Leisure Travel Agency Sets Strong Expansion and Recruitment Goals Amid Industry Boom

VANCOUVER – With a record-setting 21.7 million Americans projected to cruise in 2026, Expedia Cruises is well-positioned to capitalize on continued industry momentum with ambitious expansion and recruitment goals for the year ahead. Backed by one of the world’s most recognized travel brands, the full-service leisure travel host agency franchise is coming off a strong 2025 marked by franchise expansion, internal growth, and significant industry recognition.

Last year, Expedia Cruises awarded 10 new franchises and opened seven new brick-and-mortar locations, reinforcing the strength and scalability of its storefront-based model. Much of this growth was driven by existing franchisees expanding their portfolios, underscoring the long-term value and performance of the brand. Notably, Expedia Cruises welcomed new franchisees in key growth markets including Florida and Texas, while existing franchisees expanded across Canada and Las Vegas.

Recognizing President Matthew Eichhorst’s leadership and contributions to the travel industry, he was honored with the prestigious “Legend of the West” award at the 2025 WAVE Awards. Expedia Cruises was recognized by Franchise Business Review as a 2026 Top 200 Franchises recipient, ranked #17 overall and #3 among Top 50 Large Franchises. The brand was also named to FBR’s Hall of Fame, and earned honors as one of its Most Innovative Franchises, Top Franchises for Women, Top Franchises for Veterans, and Culture100 Awards recipients.

In addition, Expedia Cruises received several supply partner awards for 2025, including Azamara Cruises’ Strategic Partner of the Year, Costa’s Top Producer in North America, and multiple MSC Cruises Awards recognizing outstanding franchise locations and partnerships across Canada.

“2025 validated what we have long believed: our franchise model, supported by industry-leading technology and trusted global branding, continues to resonate with both entrepreneurs and consumers,” said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia Cruises. “As we look ahead, our expanding network of franchisees is exceptionally well positioned to capture industry momentum and deliver meaningful growth across our system.”

2026 Brand Goals:

  • Expedia Cruises has set a goal of opening 14 new storefronts in 2026 across both Canada and the United States. Targeted regions include Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, as well as Arizona, Nevada, and Virginia.
  • In addition to storefront growth, Expedia Cruises aims to award 15 new franchises in 2026 and recruit 2,400 Vacation Consultants, further strengthening its network of travel professionals.
  • The brand will continue to invest in technology enhancements, including the expanded use of artificial intelligence to streamline operations, elevate customer experiences, and empower Vacation Consultants with smarter tools and insights.
  • Expedia Cruises’ annual Anchor Conference in April 2026 will be largest in the brand’s history, bringing nearly 1,000 franchisees, Vacation Consultants, supply partners, and corporate team members together at sea aboard MSC World America. The event will focus on collaboration, education, and strategic alignment as the brand enters its next phase of growth.

With an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, an omnichannel approach, and a proven franchise model, Expedia Cruises is a leading seller of cruises and vacations in North America. Anchored in their passionate expertise for air, land, and sea vacations, each Expedia Cruises franchise location is a full-service travel host agency. Franchisees and their dedicated Vacation Consultants are experts in booking cruise vacations, all-inclusive resorts, coach and rail tours, vacation packages, homes and villas, travel insurance, flights, hotels, cars, and activities.

Expedia Cruises is currently seeking like-minded team-leaders interested in pursuing franchise opportunities. For more information about the Expedia Cruises franchise opportunity, visit expediafranchise.com.

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, Expedia Group™ helps people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. They provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers.

The Expedia Group family of brands includes Expedia?, Hotels.com?, Expedia? Partner Solutions, Vrbo?, trivago?, Orbitz?, Travelocity?, Hotwire?, Wotif?, ebookers?, CheapTickets?, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, CarRentals.com™, and Expedia Cruises™.

For more information on Expedia Cruises, visit www.expediafranchise.com.

? 2026 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Expedia Group and the Expedia Group logo are trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST: 2029030-50

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