Trade Me launches new travel category

Online auction site Trade Me has launched a new travel category. Travel, events & activities, launched today, will allow auctions on anything travel or tourism related.

The site has already taken on listings  - overwhelmingly of event tickets with 763 listed at lunchtime. There were 83 accommodation listings and 15 for activities, while flights showed 15 listings and holiday packages 10. Metallica and U2's forthcoming tours had hundreds of tickets online.

"We've already got accommodation from around New Zealand at $1 reserve, and there are some cool international holidays being sold too," said Alex Fala, head of Trade Me Travel.

"Kiwis will be able to buy and sell everything from gift vouchers and bungy jump experiences, right through to event tickets and flights.''

Travelbug, Trade Me's existing accommodation booking website, was launched three years ago and is heavily involved in the new offering. Travelbug listings on Trade Me will feature deals from its existing operators.

Trade Me has 2.6m active members and currently has 1.59m listings with an average 657,000 visiting the site daily.

Trade Me is owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of stuff.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News