Travel on the money

Travelsupermarket.com ‘has delivered strong [Q1 08] results with revenues and visitors in excess of 50% ahead of the same period last year,’ according to a statement issued to the London Stock Exchange by its parent company, moneysupermarket group.

Nothing else about travel is mentioned – the statement focuses more on how the business’ money channels are doing in the UK’s current economic climate. Overall, revenues from mortgages, loans, credit card and savings channels are up 10% off the back of a 15% increase in visitors.

Loans and mortgages have been ‘challenging’ but revenues remain level with Q1 07. Credit cards and savings have grown significantly thanks ‘improved commercial terms with providers’ and more visitors.

The personal finance sector is not Travolution’s area of expertise, but there is some crossover with travel. It appears that there is still a demand for financial products (as there is for travel) and consumers are using vertical search businesses to see what products are still out there, as much as to see what the best deals are.

The statement says that ‘the performance of our business shows the benefit of a difficult market to the price comparison channels.’

And when has travel not been a difficult market?

Martin Cowen, chief writer, Travolution