In a meta-search post vs. Online Travel Agents: The Three Main Differences and Why They Matter , I mentioned that one of the major differences between in OTA (transaction site) and a meta-search site (non-transaction site) is that the transactional sites try to build up a unique product set – inventory (or inventory combinations) that no one else has – whereas the non-transactional meta-search company is focused on pointing to product that by definition is not unique as it is maintained by someone else.
A clear distinction that made it easier for customers and companies within the industry to know who was doing what and (in the case of companies) how to operate together.
However in late-2009 the distinction between the two categories began falling apart with non-transactional sites building unique product offerings.
Kevin May analysiert eine neue Tendent in online sales of tourist products.
While until recently a relatively clear separation between providers of travel tips, review sites, etc. one hand and the classical OTA was the other, which is also expressed in the business models (advertising vs. sales), this border is disappearing. Kevin
out here some examples of classical Nontransaction on sites built in the last few months sale items. And it is the heavyweights of the industry:
- Kayak Kayak with
Private Sale - Tripadvisor TrpAdvisor Business Listings
- Total Travel Australia.
This merging of two previously separate business models was logical, but carries risks for all involved.
date the customer took the evaluation and recommendation platforms appear as relatively neutral, despite the constant talk about manipulation. If, however, is now attached to the recommendations and reviews of the sale, the doubts about the neutrality will grow exponentially. We get a uniform product that is both (a recommendation, OTA) wants to be, but both can not represent faithfully. Instead of the best of both worlds, which reach the lowest common denominator.
