TDS2015: European OTA scene primed for consolidation, says eDreams Odigeo founder

The European OTA scene is poised for consolidation similar to that seen in the US, according to the founder of Europe’s biggest OTA eDreams Odigeo.

The European OTA scene is poised for consolidation similar to that seen in the US, according to the founder of Europe’s biggest OTA eDreams Odigeo.

Javier Perez-Tenessa told the Travel Distribution Summit in London that there was still scope for consolidation among generalist travel retailers.

He said in the US Expedia had “closed the game” with its recent acquisitions including of rival Orbitz.

Perez-Tenessa led one of the biggest consolidations to date in Europe bringing eDreams and its then two biggest rivals Opodo and GoVoyage together in 2010.

The most recent consolidation seen in Europe recently has been Travelocity’s sale of lastminute.com to Bravofly Rumbo.

Asked about the future of OTA model, he said: “You have to change constantly no matter where you are. Nobody can stay the same, it has to be constantly tweaked. If you are just doing the same as before in this world it’s difficult because we have new entrants that can get global access very very quickly to resources and people.

“Everyone needs suppliers and distributors and it’s just who is going to be your most efficient supplier or distributor. If people are using you it means they are getting value for what they pay.”

He added: “We see different models working fine. The only criteria is people and that’s businessmen and women and consumers will only pay when they feel they get value.”