Priceline CEO Takes a Shot at Expedia’s Growth Strategy
Skift Take
The Priceline Group won't admit it but its management is feeling the heat from Expedia Inc.'s moves. Adding Orbitz Worldwide to Expedia Inc. will only increase Expedia's inorganic growth, which is growth nonetheless.
After years of setting the pace, the Priceline Group is feeling the heat from a rejuvenated and acquisition-happy Expedia Inc. and Priceline Group CEO Darren Huston has taken a shot at Expedia's growth strategy.
Asked during today's fourth quarter earnings call about Expedia Inc.'s suddenly faster growth than the Priceline Group's, Huston said the Priceline Group prides itself on highly profitable growth, adding that his company's 24 percent room night growth in the fourth quarter was "100 percent organic."
The Priceline Group is focused on premium brands and "on organic growth and execution," Huston said.
The implication is that Expedia Inc., with its acquisition of Travelocity and pending acquisition of Orbitz Worldwide, is not focusing on premium brands.
Referring to Expedia Inc., which saw its hotel room nights grow at a faster clip, 28 percent, during the fourth quarter, Huston sa
