Online Travel Intermediaries: A Fast Changing Competitive Landscape

Steady performance for online travel intermediaries

Sales by global on-line travel intermediaries grew strongly 8% CAGR over the 2008-2013 period, driven by the rapid rise of on-line travel agencies and by the move of traditional tour operators to the on-line channel.

Asia Pacific and mobile channel to drive future growth

Growth is expected to stay very healthy over the forecast period, with strong performances in the Asia Pacific region and in sales made through mobile devices.

The rise of technology players

Technology players, such as Google, Facebook, Trip Advisor and the meta-search engines, are playing an increasingly important role in the travel industry, driving online traffic and having a major impact on competition among industry players.

Increasing consolidation for OTAs

The online travel agency sector is seeing increasing consolidation, with Expedia and Priceline emerging as its dominant players. OTAs from the emerging markets, such as Ctrip and MakeMyTrip, are also gaining ground.

Tour operators embrace online channel

Leading global tour operators, such as TUI Travel and Thomas Cook, are currently changing their business models to make their websites their main distribution platforms.

A fast changing environment

Further major changes are expected over the forecast period as peer-to-peer services expand to more travel sectors, online travel marketing becomes increasingly personalised and wearable electronics go mainstream.

From OTAs to MTAs

As a result of the rise of the mobile channel and of in-destination tourist services, online travel agencies are expected gradually to adopt a mobile travel agency model.

What this report includes

• Top-level strategic analysis of how major consumer trends will influence global markets
• Consumer insight
• Impact across all relevant consumer markets
• Unique graphics and case studies
• Key market snapshots
• Accompanying presentation to synthesise main findings

Why buy this report

• Identify factors driving change now and in the future
• Understand motivation
• Forward-looking outlook
• Briefings and presentation should provoke lively discussion at senior level
• Take a step back from micro trends
• Get up to date estimates and comment