All is not well in the world of on line travel
A few years ago, internet travel companies like Travelocity and Expedia revolutionized travel bookings and it appeared that they heralded to end of the traditional travel agency.
But all is not well in the world of online travel, with online travel operators struggling as airlines and hotels promote their own sites, attempting international expansion as younger competitors chipe away at their customer base.
This uncertainty surrounding the leading online travel agencies is reflected in their stock prices, with Expedia losing 38% so far this year, Sabre, which owns Travelocity losing about 11%, and Orbitz-owner, Cendant losing approx 6%.
Priceline.com is the only online travel agent stock moving upwards by 36% gain this year, however their shares are still around the same level as in late 2000 and has fallen some 97% from 1999 highs
In general, experts remain cautiously optimistic about online travel agencies, with research company PhocusWright predicting growth of 15% for online travel agencies this year, down from growth of 20% in 2005.
Competition also comes from supplier sites themselves, with airlines and hotels investing in their ability to sell tickets online.
Report by The Mole
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