Nasdaq-listed online travel agency Priceline.com said it would cut its workforce by 15 per cent after announcing its third-quarter loss had swelled to US$24.2 million.
However, a spokeswoman for Hutchison-Priceline.com, a 65:35 joint venture between Hutchison Whampoa and Priceline, said the lay-offs would not affect its SAR operation.
The Hutchison-Priceline.com operation, which was launched in Hong Kong six months ago, was independent from its United States counterpart, she said.
The spokeswoman said the Asian operation was recording growth in air-ticket sales and hotel bookings every week.
She said Hutchison-Priceline.com was continuing to offer promotions as part of its marketing strategy to drive business and raise public awareness of the Web site.
During the low season, hotels and airlines would offer special rates to attract customers to fill empty rooms and seats, she said.
Priceline.com attributed its net loss for the three months to September 30 to the sharp fall in air travel around the anniversary of September 11 as well as keen market competition.