LONDON — Expedia Group has retained SEC Newgate UK as the communications agency for its Travel Partners Group (TPG), after a competitive pitch.

TPG acquires and manages all Expedia Group’s travel partners, including hotels, holiday rentals, airlines, car rental and cruise operators.

SEC Newgate has been tasked with showing how Expedia Group connects its partners with travellers by providing them access to data, tools and technology to build their businesses. The brief includes strategic counsel, media relations, thought leadership and support on events and issues management.

Expedia Group senior director of communications Hayley Lowe said: “We believe travel is a force for good and we want to share our mission at this crucial time for the travel sector in the UK. There is a ton of pent up demand ready to be unlocked by the industry as restrictions cautiously ease. SEC Newgate’s depth of travel and tech experience, understanding of the issues facing the industry at the moment and how we should position ourselves in the market, shone through in the pitch process.”

The account team will be led by SEC Newgate UK’s managing director and co-head of communications Laura Leggetter and director of communications Ian Morris, both of whom have experience advising businesses in the travel and hospitality industries.

Morris said: “Expedia Group is going to play an important part in the recovery of the travel industry, using the power of its global platform and technological tools to help travel businesses find, attract and delight customers and recover ahead of the market. We’re thrilled to be working with such a great global brand at such an important time for the sector.”