Expedia sets up Web site for India

Seeking to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, online travel agency Expedia has entered India with a new Web site, Expedia.co.in.

The new site lists nearly 80,000 hotels and allows payments in Indian rupees. A call center in India is staffed with employees who speak both Hindi and English.

Bellevue-based Expedia said it plans to grow its international business to parity with its U.S. business. In 2007, Expedia's international revenue made up 32 percent of its total, up from 28 percent in 2006.

The latest addition is Expedia's 17th company-branded site. Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi called India a burgeoning travel market that gives Expedia another foothold in Asia.