[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO EXPEDIA.COM

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Expedia.com, the 
world's number one online travel provider, for their business and 
service contributions to the tourism and travel industry.
  Expedia delivers consumers everything they need for researching, 
planning, and purchasing a whole trip. The company provides direct 
access to one of the broadest selections of travel products and 
services through its North American Web site, localized versions 
throughout Europe, and extensive partnerships in Asia. Serving many 
different consumer segments--from families booking a summer vacation to 
individuals arranging a quick weekend getaway, Expedia provides 
travelers with the ability to research, plan, and book their 
comprehensive travel needs. Expedia-branded Web sites feature airline 
tickets, hotel reservations, car rental, cruises, and many other in-
destination services from a broad selection of partners.
  Expedia.com provides more than 25 million travelers per month the 
opportunity to research, plan and book their own travel accommodations. 
Travel opens our minds and hearts to different cultures, places and 
people. As Mark Twain wrote: ``Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, 
and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it solely on these 
accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot 
be acquired by vegetating in one corner of the earth all one's 
lifetime.''
  In this Nation, travel and tourism is vital to our health and well-
being as a strong and vibrant economy. It is the 1st, 2nd or 3rd 
largest employer in 29 states and Washington, DC, thereby creating 7.3 
million travel-generated jobs. October 23, 2006 marks the 10-year 
anniversary of Expedia.com, an innovative online travel company which 
maintains significant operations centers in Las Vegas with over 300 
employees; I congratulate Expedia.com as one of the world's leading 
online travel providers with 25 million visitors to its site monthly 
and for its efforts to broaden this exciting, valuable industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Expedia.com. Over the past decade, 
Expedia.com has made significant contributions to the travel and 
tourism industry, the economy of my state, and the overall travel 
experience.

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