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Posts tagged as:

travel search

Travel Industry Site Traffic Rebound – Not a Hotel Slam Dunk

December 15, 2009

Compete produced an analysis that indicates traffic to hotel brand and Online Travel Agency hotel specific web pages have increased faster than airline and car rental sectors, indicating a faster path to recovery. Unfortunately, the increase in site traffic has not translated to improved hotel performance as hotels continue to deeply discounting their product to shift market share from competitors. As the hotels fight to support occupancy and average rate, share of leisure travel bookings is shifting away from hotel brand sites to the OTAs.

With the steepest drop in US hotel net operating income on record and non-performing Commercial Backed Mortgage Securities hotel loans hovering close to 15%, the US hotel industry appears to be preparing for a difficult stretch that will continue to provide travelers with excellent hotel values, but test the patience and wallets of hotel owners.

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How Google Can Help Enhance Online Travel Research

September 15, 2009

Recent studies have shown that the research phase of the seven-step online travel process is becoming frustrating for consumers. Many travelers search a large number of sites or spend extended periods of time seeking information regarding airlines, hotels, car rentals, attractions and destinations that are best suited to their interests and needs. Google, with its massive search traffic and extensive advertising platform is well suited to help the travel industry improve travel research. In addition to many innovative tools that are currently offered, Google could help travel marketers by embracing travel industry standards and working to create persona-based traveler profiles that will better align the products of travel suppliers with customer needs.

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Google Acquire Expedia? An Unfounded Rumor

April 19, 2009

Rumors circulating that Google has an interest in purchasing Expedia surface periodically – it now seems on an annual basis… All indications are that a purchase of Expedia would not only signal a dramatic change in Google’s strategic direction, but also jeopardize its considerable advertising revenue from travel suppliers and distributors.

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