Kayak to become a more full service travel planning site

March 01, 2010 |

Kayak recently launched an updated version of its popular iPhone app. However, it is not the new app that has created a buzz around Kayak, it is the meta-morphosis of their business model the app signifies.

Kayak plans to offer booking facilitation via mobile device, and eventually the Web site as well (Private Sale has already launched with this feature). Consumer information will be collected and passed to the chosen site, which will process the booking. The goal is to improve the otherwise shaky meta-to-booking mobile experience.

The leader in travel metasearch may not technically be making any bookings, but what difference is there to the consumer? Can we even call Kayak "meta" anymore?

PhoCusWright director, research, Carroll Rheem explains, "Kayak is not really becoming an OTA, but they are going to try to compete with them head-to-head to gain consumer traffic. According to Kayak co-founder and CEO, Steve Hafner, they intend to become a more full service travel planning site, but will retain 'media company' status."

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