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While suppliers and online travel agencies generate the core of Web activity in the travel category today, non-transactional sites like traveler review websites, lead generators and metasearch sites are a significant component of the online travel landscape. PhoCusWright's Online Traffic and Conversion Report analyzes traffic and conversion to identify the key trends that are shaping how and where consumers shop for and purchase travel.
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An examination of the online agency world beyond the Big Four, as well as a look at some of the leading tier-two OTAs and the role they play in the online travel market.
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Despite the strengths of an intermediated model that supports global travel reservations systems, some suppliers have resisted going through intermediaries, and have taken bold steps to implement a direct connect strategy. This Analysis examines the prospects for the direct connect movement, across major travel categories.
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Encompassing Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the Scandinavian travel market totaled gross bookings declined in 2009 from the previous year. The downturn in bookings, however, is modest in comparison to the rest of Europe. In terms of online bookings, Scandinavian sales were flat for the first time. Nevertheless, online penetration jumped over four percentage points from 2008. This is the second highest online penetration in Europe after the U.K.
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Facing the aftermath of the financial crisis - which severely affected nearly all European economies - Germany was able to avoid high unemployment rates and maintain relative economic stability throughout 2009. Nevertheless, growth in all sectors of the travel industry slowed, dragging total gross bookings for the German travel market down.
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The economic and financial crises have deeply affected the Spanish travel industry. Demand has dropped, especially from international visitors, and credit to travel companies has become scarcer. The financial crisis affected some travel segments more than others. Despite the economic challenges, rail grew in 2009 and OTAs remained relatively stable. On the other hand, traditional airlines, low-cost carriers, car rental companies, tour operators, and hotels all suffered strong declines.
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Italy's travel market is recovering from its 2009 low. However, this recovery is not like previous rebounds and will be characterized by particularly sluggish growth in the months to come. Even though total market revenues diminished in 2009, online direct bookings grew. Online travel agencies (OTAs) increased their market share, as their lower distribution costs provided better deals to consumers in search of a bargain.
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With 74 million visitors, international travel to France fell in 2009 as a result of the global economic crisis and the relative strength of the euro. However, the fall in international visitors was offset by growth in domestic tourism. Despite declining overall sales, the online component of the French travel market grew slightly in 2009. However, growth rates were not even across all sectors, as airline, rail, and car hire online sales dropped in line with revenue reductions in their respective sectors.
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In 2009, the U.K. was still reeling from the global financial crisis. Due to budget constraints,travelers took fewer trips, knocking outbound holidays and trips to visit friends and relatives down. All in all, however, the U.K. travel market is seeing light at the end of the tunnel. GDP is projected to grow in 2010 officially signaling the end of the recession, and travel will pick up again.
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Although 2008 and 2009 were among the worst years for U.S. airlines, 2010 is shaping up to be among the best. The 2008 oil price spike, which led to untenable fuel prices for airlines, was followed by a steep economic recession. The result was a dramatic decline in corporate demand for travel and, for airlines, those precious premium customers.
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