Expedia is shutting down Lastminute.com.au, with new bookings ceasing June 2, 2026. All travel must be completed by November 1, 2026.
The closure ends a 25-year run for the discount travel site, which Expedia acquired in 2014 as part of a $658 million USD deal for Wotif Group. The move consolidates Expedia's ANZ presence under core brands like Expedia and Wotif, reflecting a strategic shift in the online travel agency market.
No details on headcount impact. Expedia has not disclosed Lastminute.com.au's local sales team size, ANZ headcount, or whether roles will transfer to other Expedia brands. The company operates separately from UK-based Lastminute.com, which remains active under Swiss management and generated $527 million in revenue last year.
The shutdown follows broader travel tech consolidation. Expedia Group has been streamlining its brand portfolio globally, prioritizing platforms with stronger brand recognition and higher booking volumes. Lastminute.com.au competed in a crowded ANZ market against Booking.com, Flight Centre, and fellow Expedia properties.
Existing bookings are protected. Travellers can still modify or cancel reservations past the June 2 cutoff, with the site honoring all confirmed travel through November.
Worth noting: This is portfolio rationalisation, not market exit. Expedia maintains strong ANZ presence through its namesake platform and Wotif. But for anyone working in travel sales at smaller OTA brands, this signals continued pressure toward consolidation. If your patch relies on a secondary brand in a major group's portfolio, pay attention to parent company strategy.
The site launched in 2000 as a partnership between British-founded Lastminute.com and local player Travel.com.au, capitalising on the dot-com boom's early travel website success.
Expedia has not commented on severance packages or workforce plans for affected teams.