Expedia Plans Job Cuts Amidst Slower Growth

Expedia recently revealed plans to reduce its workforce by around 1,500 employees as part of a strategic move to "recalibrate resources" in response to the anticipated slower growth in the travel industry for 2024.

Embracing Transformation for Efficiency

The online travel giant has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, consolidating its multiple brands onto a unified platform and incorporating advanced artificial intelligence tools into its operations.

This transformation presents an opportunity for Expedia to streamline its operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, especially during a period where demand in the industry is expected to stabilize. Expedia has also been strategically hiring more skilled tech professionals as part of its evolution, similar to the tech sector it operates in.

Facing Industry Challenges Ahead

Challenges such as tough comparisons to the previous year and geopolitical tensions, like those in the Middle East, are expected to make the upcoming year particularly challenging for the travel industry. Following significant stock price increases over the past year, the industry is now bracing for a period of adjustment.

A Rough Start to the Year

Despite a successful 2023, Expedia has encountered a rocky start to the new year with the unexpected departure of CEO Peter Kern earlier this month. Furthermore, the company's fourth-quarter earnings call disappointed investors with a cautious outlook for the future, citing a slowdown in growth rates across global markets.

Expedia Announces Workforce Layoffs and Restructuring Plans

Expedia recently revealed that they will be laying off about 9% of their total workforce as part of a restructuring effort in response to their organizational and technological transformation. This move is expected to help the company recalibrate its resources effectively. The total pre-tax charges and costs linked to this restructuring are projected to range between $80 million and $100 million.

Industry Challenges in 2024

After experiencing a successful year, the travel sector now faces challenges as investors anticipate tough comparisons and a slowdown in demand growth for 2024. Expedia's stock has already declined by 11% this year but remains 26% higher than it was twelve months ago. On the other hand, Booking's shares have dropped by 1.3% in 2024, yet show a 38% increase over the past year.

Moderating Demand Across the Sector

Booking mentioned a similar moderation in demand growth for 2024 during their recent earnings report, while Airbnb indicated a slowdown in the growth rate of nights booked on their platform in the first quarter. Analyst Conor Cunningham from Melius Research commented on the challenges faced by online travel agencies (OTAs), stating that while the overall travel outlook appears positive, OTAs must focus on reaccelerating growth to boost confidence in their models.

Stock Performance

Ahead of the market open, Expedia's stock saw a 0.7% increase, Booking remained stable, and Airbnb experienced a 0.3% rise. The industry is navigating through a period of transition and adaptation in response to changing consumer demands and market dynamics.

Contact Callum Keown