It’s often hard to tell what key players will do in today’s fast-changing online travel markets, but one trend is clear: Big U.S. online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline are keen on expanding in China and Asia-Pacific. Both Expedia (EXPE) and Priceline Group (PCLN) have redoubled efforts in the region in the past year or so. They’re focusing on pacts with local partners, as well as acquisitions, as they battle local rivals and one
Expedia (EXPE) received mostly favorable assessments from analysts following the global Web travel firm’s announcement late Sunday that it’s acquiring Australia-based online travel company Wotif Group for $658 million in cash. Analysts said the acquisition is part of Expedia’s push to expand its Asia-Pacific presence. Expedia stock was down more than 1% in early trading in the stock market today, near 81. Expedia stock touched an all-time high of
Sabre (SABR) is expected to benefit from a strategic technology pact it just signed with the Expedia Affiliate Network, according to an upbeat report issued late Tuesday by William Blair. Sabre was down a fraction in midday trading in the stock market today, but it’s up 25% since the company’s April IPO. Expedia (EXPE) stock also was down a fraction midday, near 80. Sabre, a travel technology company, signed an agreement Tuesday in which the