Trivago CEO Details How Company's Coronavirus Pivot May Reflect the Immediate Future of Travel
Skift Take
Can Trivago really emerge from the coronavirus crisis in a stronger position? It appears to be making similar bets to what others are doing, but perhaps its speed can be an advantage. On the other hand, Google Travel will still be encroaching — with more than ample firepower.
The seemingly intractable dilemma that has killed many travel companies over the years is that people tend to take merely one or two vacations per year, leaving booking sites figuratively standing idle while awaiting the next round of trip planning.
During a Skift interview via Zoom Tuesday after Trivago's first quarter earnings call, CEO Axel Hefer said the company views the coronavirus crisis as an opportunity, and will pivot more up-funnel and toward "inspiration," meaning presenting trip ideas to consumers who may not know where they want to travel to or precisely when.
The theory is that travelers will get on the road more frequently, and to closer destinations they can get to without flying during
