The local premiere came on the back of better-than-expected response from users in Hong Kong, although Priceline could not attract the participation of two major regional airlines--Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Since the start of Priceline's Hong Kong operations last month, the company has "exceeded" its internal targets, Hutchison-Priceline CEO Alfredo Gangotena claimed. However, he would not reveal the site's transactional volume.
Hutchison-Priceline operates Priceline's Asian business, and is a joint venture between Priceline and Hong Kong conglomerates Hutchison Whampoa and Cheung Kong.
"There is no impact on our business," said Gangotena, about not being able to sell the excess capacity of Hong Kong's largest airline Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines, which is responsible for the bulk of departures from Singapore.
"We are covered by many other airlines, and few are picky about the carriers they travel with," he reasoned. Hutchison-Priceline claimed to have partnered 25 airlines and 8,000 hotels worldwide to offer their excess inventory on Priceline.
Hutchison-Priceline also said the site helps travel buyers save up to 30 percent off average market rates, directly addressing the price-conscious consumer. Citing a survey conducted by the Singapore Tourism Board and Hutchison-Priceline late last year, Gangotena noted that close to half of the 45,000 respondents in Singapore named budget as the most important criterion when buying travel products.
By the end of the year, Gangotena hopes to launch a Web site for Taiwan as well as a reward scheme for repeat customers in Asia. He declined to provide details.
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I have booked hotel stay at Hotel Istana through Priceline HK just 2 months ago for my parents. However, when they get there. They were told that Priceline did not send over the order form. Thus, they charged my parents for a night's stay. One month later, the credit card bill came and it reflected that Priceline HK charged my parents for that one night stay.
When we wrote in to enquire about this duplication mistake, it took them 3 months to CHECK and obviously, no refund.
What integrity does Priceline has for people to give them their credit card details and not being charged the correct amount?
I am utterly disappointed with Priceline Hong Kong service.
If I do not get my refund, I am sure I will do a small claim court case against them.
It is just not right.
Posted by Dannie Liuw on Wednesday, July 29 2009 12:39 AM