tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307132730056862398.post7615530240283712978..comments2023-06-23T07:45:28.484-04:00Comments on Dennis Schaal Blog: Legacy OTAs: The Sequel -- Expedia Empire Strikes BackDennis Schaalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12073829623151186628noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307132730056862398.post-75538242008385246122009-05-07T21:15:00.000-04:002009-05-07T21:15:00.000-04:00Totally agree with Douglas on the innovation comme...Totally agree with Douglas on the innovation comment. Reading the claim that Expedia "builds the most intelligent online travel marketplace in the world", I can only say I have my doubts. Surely, they are hard at work to defend their leading position in the travel marketplace and with their high brand recognition it is easier for them to succeed at that than other brands. <br /><br />What I don't think they do to defend it, is being the most innovative company in the travel space but by throwing more "best deal" messages out there and judging from what lands in my inbox from the OTAs these are far from innovative but just more of the same. <br /><br />The real innovative solutions to address the increasing frustration level consumers express in every research study will likely continue to come from new, nimble start-ups. The question remains, whether they can get the market penetration necessary to stay in business as independents or get acquired by a major player. In the latter case, let's hope they won't then be stifled in their innovation but become the catalyst for improvements at the acquirer.Joe Buhlerhttp://buhlerworks.com/wordpressnoreply@blogger.com