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The second quarter of 2012 was challenging for U.S. public online travel agencies (OTAs) – Expedia, Orbitz and Priceline. While domestic business was resilient for most, relatively weak travel demand in Europe meant that growth from overseas operations was muted across the board.
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The stats for August were fine. Hotel occupancy was up strongly, after posting a nothing-to-brag-about increase of less than 1 percentage point in July. ADRs rose, RevPAR was up and airplanes continued to run more than 85% full. So far, so good. Then Spain's budget came out, rioters hit the streets, and we were all reminded that the macro cloud hanging over businesses of all kind hasn't gone anywhere. Priceline shares, always sensitive to Europe, shed more than 1%. Other travel shares also gave up gains from earlier in the month.
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Google's purchase of ITA Software prompted many to consider and speculate about the company's plans to enter (and possibly disrupt) the travel distribution landscape. In addition to ITA Software, Google possesses a range of other tools and capabilities it could potentially use to establish itself along various points of the travel value chain. This Spotlight examines Google's possible intentions with respect to travel, and explores the tools at its disposal for building a complete travel system.
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With uncertainty still lingering over many of the world's economies, consumers have grown increasingly careful about their travel spending. A range of influences and information sources impact how consumers decide where to go, and travel behavior varies considerably across different markets. This report explores how the process of destination selection is evolving, and in particular how this process differs between travelers in the U.S., France, Germany and the U.K.
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Gain insight into complex shifts in travel patterns within these key markets, essential knowledge for travel companies navigating the European travel landscape.
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European tour operators continue to face financial hardship, thanks to competition from online travel agencies and supplier-direct sales. But efforts to improve their product mix and flexibility, differentiate themselves through customer service, and update their business models may yet keep tour operators in the game.
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While a strategically managed social media presence has become de rigueur in the travel industry, companies are still struggling to determine how best to harness the medium. PhoCusWright's Social Media in Travel 2012 examines the role of social media in the online travel ecosystem, investigating which types of user-generated content are most influential, how social networking affects referrals to travel sites, and what innovations to expect from social travel startups, among other trends.
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The September 12, 2012 webinar reveals the unique characteristics, challenges and opportunities of Eastern Europe's travel marketplace.
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Simply advertising to the masses is no longer enough - companies must identify specific audiences of potential customers. This article examines the trends driving behavioral targeting and the implications of delivering relevant content on loyalty and conversion in travel.
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PhoCusWright's European Consumer Travel Report Third Edition explores consumer travel trends in three major European markets: France, Germany and the U.K. The study outlines year-over-year changes in leisure travel incidence, trip frequency and duration, travel expenditure, international travel and travel product purchases. Analysis provides an in-depth look at the use of online and offline channels during three stages of the travel planning process - destination selection, shopping and booking - and examines travel-related engagement via the mobile web and social networks.
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