Hotel News Resource - PhoCusWright Hotel Industry News

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to think of a travel industry topic that has garnered more speculation or prognostication than Google's proposed acquisition of ITA Software. From starched executives to conspiracy-minded bloggers, the prospect of the search giant stepping into the travel sandbox has had imagination, as well as anxiety, running rampant for about a year.

PhoCusWright Report Uncovers Key Dynamics Driving Growth in Latin America's Diverse Online Travel Marketplace

France and Spain may not inspire the world as hotbeds of travel e-commerce innovation, but they have nurtured the growth of two leading online travel agencies (OTAs) - GO Voyages and eDreams. According to PhoCusWright's European Online Travel Overview Sixth Edition, GO Voyages is neck and neck with Priceline's Booking.com for the top spot in France and eDreams is the largest OTA in Spain. These two local heroes are now likely to join forces as their owners partner to acquire Opodo.

Over the past several years, the use of social networks and mobile devices has become ubiquitous. Perhaps more than any other developments, these two trends epitomize how technology has impacted everyday consumer lifestyles.

As European travel companies advance from recession into recovery, it is critical for them to stay attuned to the trends shaping consumer sentiment and decision-making. How confident are consumers about the upcoming year? What trends are common across European markets, and where do travelers differ? In a comprehensive research study, travel industry research authority PhoCusWright reveals and explores the state of European consumer travel.

Media outlets around the world are abuzz with the news of Google's ITA Software acquisition. On the July 1 announcement call, Google's Eric Schmidt and Marissa Mayer were understandably vague about what changes would be made to the Google search experience as a result of the acquisition. They did express, however, that the degree of sophistication they seek to build into search requires a deep level of integration—more than what just a software license could provide. They stated that metasearch as we know it today is not where they are planning to go with the integration. In other words, do not expect another Kayak look-alike—they claim to be building something that the industry has never seen before.

One Third of All Travel in Canada Booked Online in 2009

PhoCusWright and Akamai study reveals the importance of speed and usability on travel websites

A new report from PhoCusWright Inc. on the role of social media in online travel reveals that travelers are posting more hotel reviews on online travel agencies (OTAs) than on traveler review sites. OTAs were home to nearly three in four traveler-generated hotel reviews in 2009, while traveler review sites accounted for one-quarter of posted traveler hotel reviews.

New Research Analyzes Nearly 1.9 Million Traveler Reviews and Referral and Conversion Traffic from More Than 50 Social Media Web Sites to Online Travel Categories