Why Wotif has no reservations about Expedia's bid

Expedia's bid for Wotif highlights the importance of scale in the online travel services sector, expanding the US giant's market reach and giving the Australian business deeper access to offshore travel inventory.

From the moment online travel agency Wotif issued a profit warning last December and its shares went into freefall, there has been speculation that it would become a target. Today that speculation became a reality.

The $703 million bid by US giant Expedia -- the world’s largest online travel group -- underscores the increasingly obvious and brutal truth about online travel services. They are now a price-driven commodity and in commodity businesses, scale really matters.

{{content.question}}

{{ twilioFailed ? 'SMS Code Failed to Send…' : 'Enter your SMS code' }}

A text message with your verification code was just sent to {{user.DayPhone}}

We cannot send you a code via SMS to {{user.DayPhone}}

Hi {{ user.FirstName }}, please provide your mobile number.

{{ content.trialHeading.replace('{0}', user.FirstName) }}

We'll send you a text message with a verification code to start your free trial.

Log in

{{ content.upgradeHeading.replace('{0}', user.FirstName) }}

The email address you entered is registered with InvestSMART.

Login or to reset your password, select Forgotten password

Thank you

We have sent you an email with the details of your registration.

Email is required.
Email must be a valid email.
Password is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
Mobile phone number is required.
Mobile phone number is invalid.
How did you hear about us?
A selection is required.
You must accept the terms and conditions.

Already an InvestSMART member? Log in

SMS code cannot be sent due to: {{ twilioStatus }}

Please select one of the options below:

Resend code

OR

Change number

Looks you are already a member. Please enter your password to proceed

You have entered an incorrect email or password

Email is required.
Email must be a valid email.
Password is required.

Please untick this box when using a public or shared device

Not a member? Sign up

Forgotten password? Click here

Your membership to InvestSMART Group recently failed to renew.


Please make sure your payment details are up to date to continue your membership.


Having trouble renewing?

Please contact Member Services on support@investsmart.com.au or 1300 880 160

You've recently updated your payment details.

It may take a few minutes to update your subscription details, during this time you will not be able to view locked content.


If you are still having trouble viewing content after 10 minutes, try logging out of your account and logging back in.


Still having trouble viewing content?

Please contact Member Services on support@investsmart.com.au or 1300 880 160

{{ upgradeCTAText }}

{{ upgradeCTA }}

Updating information

Please wait ...

Trial

{{ productPrice }} / day
( GST included )
Price $0
Discount -{{productDiscount}}
GST {{productGST}}
TOTAL   (inc. GST) {{productPrice}}
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Please click on the ACTIVATE button to finalise your membership

You have entered an incorrect email or password

Email is required.
Email must be a valid email.
Password is required.

Please untick this box when using a public or shared device

Not a member? Sign up

Forgotten password? Click here

Unsuccessful registration

Registration for this event is available only to members. View our payment options for more information.

{{eventFunction.Name}}
{{eventFunction.EventTypeName}}
{{eventFunction.StartDate}}
{{eventFunction.EventTimings}}
{{eventFunction.VenueName}}
{{ t.Cost === 0 ? "FREE" : "$" + t.Cost.toFixed(2) }}
Quantity *

Stephen Bartholomeusz

More articles from Stephen Bartholomeusz ›

Related Articles