Skift Take
Is Orbitz's hotel supply really differentiated enough from Expedia's and Travelocity's that consumers will notice the difference when Travelocity fades away as a competitor in 2014? That's doubtful, although Orbitz may have some tricks up its sleeve.
Orbitz president Chris Orton sees the recent Expedia-Travelocity alliance as an opportunity for Orbitz because "it kicks some clutter out of the marketplace."
And although Orbitz still uses Kayak a lot as a marketing vehicle despite a frayed relationship, Orton says Orbitz is placing a lot of bets and would "aggressively" use a new metasearch partner if it allows Orbitz to show its differentiation -- and isn't all about price.
Orton visited Skift's New York City office today, and discussed these and other issues.
Skift: There's been lots of big news with Expedia and Travelocity. How does that deal change things for Orbitz and Cheaptickets in the U.S.?
Orton: When we look at it in some ways it is sad to see a competitor that we've been competing with for years effectively throw in the towel. I think for us we look at it and say gosh, we've achieved a lot. We've gotten to a unique market position. We th
