GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Online Travel Agency Industry Statistics

The Online Travel Agency industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with increasing online booking volumes driven by convenience, competitive pricing, and evolving consumer preferences.

Highlights: Online Travel Agency Industry Statistics

  • Online travel sales worldwide were projected to be 755.94 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • By 2023, online travel sales are predicted to grow to 817.54 billion U.S. dollars.
  • In 2019, 82% of travel bookings were made without human interaction online.
  • Over 50% of all travel-related inquiries start on mobile devices.
  • Booking.com tops the list of the largest OTA with reported revenue of $15B in 2019.
  • The share of hotel bookings made through OTAs went up from 29% in 2014 to 39% in 2019 .
  • In 2019, Alternative Accommodation bookings on Booking.com equaled a total of 28.5 billion EUR, up from 14 billion EUR in 2015.
  • Expedia's gross bookings worldwide amounted to around 108 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • By 2023, the share of mobile travel bookings is expected to reach nearly 70% worldwide.
  • Nearly 67% of travelers say they use review sites like TripAdvisor when booking hotels.
  • In 2019, bookings through digital channels accounted for 41% of hotel bookings.
  • Travelers in North America are most likely to book through an online travel agency, with 56% doing so.
  • In the U.S., 48.7% of the business travel booking market was controlled by online travel agencies in 2019.
  • Nearly 40% of all hotel bookings are now done online, with OTAs claiming a significant percentage of these online reservations.
  • 79% of digital travel researchers recalled seeing an online ad as of April 2019.
  • 33% of travelers use various online platforms to compare prices.
  • In 2018, Booking.com and Expedia spent more than $10 billion on marketing.
  • Asia Pacific is the largest region for online travel agency bookings, accounting for 37% of the market.
  • OTAs expect a growth rate of 7.3% between 2021 to 2025.
  • By 2023 it is expected that the online penetration of the travel booking market will reach 47%.

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The Latest Online Travel Agency Industry Statistics Explained

Online travel sales worldwide were projected to be 755.94 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

The statistic states that the total value of online travel sales globally was estimated to reach 755.94 billion U.S. dollars in the year 2019. This figure encompasses all transactions related to travel services and products conducted over the internet, including purchases of flights, accommodations, rental cars, travel packages, and other travel-related expenses. The significant growth in online travel sales can be attributed to factors such as increased internet penetration, widespread adoption of mobile devices, convenience and accessibility of online booking platforms, and changing consumer behavior towards researching and purchasing travel services online. The statistic highlights the substantial economic impact and influence of online travel sales on the overall travel industry and underscores the importance of digital technologies in shaping the modern travel landscape.

By 2023, online travel sales are predicted to grow to 817.54 billion U.S. dollars.

This statistic indicates that the online travel industry is expected to experience significant growth over the coming years. The prediction states that by the year 2023, online travel sales are forecasted to reach a total of 817.54 billion U.S. dollars. This implies a substantial increase in the amount of money spent on travel bookings made through online platforms, such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, and vacation packages. The growth in online travel sales could be driven by various factors such as the increasing use of mobile devices for travel bookings, the convenience and ease of making reservations online, as well as the expanding reach of online travel agencies and booking platforms. The projected growth in online travel sales suggests a continued trend towards digitalization in the travel industry and highlights the importance of online platforms in facilitating travel arrangements for consumers globally.

In 2019, 82% of travel bookings were made without human interaction online.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, a significant majority (82%) of travel bookings were carried out online without the need for direct human interaction. This trend highlights the growing preference among travelers to utilize digital platforms and technology to plan and book their trips independently. This shift towards online booking without human intervention suggests that consumers are increasingly comfortable relying on automated processes, digital tools, and online resources to plan and finalize their travel arrangements. It also reflects the evolving landscape of the travel industry, where online booking platforms and travel websites have become integral parts of the travel experience for many individuals.

Over 50% of all travel-related inquiries start on mobile devices.

The statistic, “Over 50% of all travel-related inquiries start on mobile devices,” indicates that a majority of individuals searching for travel information or making travel plans initiate this process using smartphones or other mobile devices. This trend highlights the significance of mobile technology in the travel industry and reflects the growing prevalence of mobile usage for accessing information and services. The statistic suggests that businesses in the travel sector need to prioritize mobile optimization and ensure that their websites and apps are user-friendly and responsive to meet the needs and preferences of their target audience.Overall, the statistic points to the increasing importance of mobile platforms in shaping consumer behavior and decision-making processes within the travel industry.

Booking.com tops the list of the largest OTA with reported revenue of $15B in 2019.

The statistic “Booking.com tops the list of the largest OTA with reported revenue of $15B in 2019” indicates that Booking.com, an online travel agency (OTA), generated the highest revenue among its competitors in the industry during the year 2019. The reported revenue of $15 billion reflects the total amount of money that Booking.com earned from the various services it offers, such as hotel bookings, vacation rentals, and other travel-related activities. This statistic highlights Booking.com’s strong market position and success in attracting customers and driving business growth, positioning it as a leading player in the OTA market.

The share of hotel bookings made through OTAs went up from 29% in 2014 to 39% in 2019 .

This statistic indicates that the proportion of hotel bookings made through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) increased over a five-year period from 29% in 2014 to 39% in 2019. This trend suggests that a growing number of customers are opting to book their hotel accommodation through online platforms as opposed to booking directly through the hotel or other traditional channels. The rise in OTA bookings could be influenced by factors such as the convenience of online booking, competitive pricing offered by OTAs, and the increasing digitalization of the travel industry. This shift highlights the importance for hotels to adapt their marketing and distribution strategies to leverage the opportunities presented by the increasing popularity of OTAs.

In 2019, Alternative Accommodation bookings on Booking.com equaled a total of 28.5 billion EUR, up from 14 billion EUR in 2015.

The statistic indicates a significant growth in Alternative Accommodation bookings on Booking.com between 2015 and 2019. It reveals that the total value of bookings increased from 14 billion EUR in 2015 to 28.5 billion EUR in 2019, effectively doubling in a four-year period. This upward trend suggests a growing popularity and adoption of alternative accommodation options, such as vacation rentals, apartments, and guesthouses, as compared to traditional hotel stays. The substantial increase in booking value highlights the evolving preferences of travelers and the expanding market for alternative accommodations in the hospitality industry during this time frame.

Expedia’s gross bookings worldwide amounted to around 108 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

The statistic indicates that Expedia, a leading online travel agency, generated approximately 108 billion U.S. dollars in gross bookings worldwide in the year 2019. Gross bookings refer to the total value of all travel bookings made through Expedia’s platform before deductions for cancellations, refunds, and other expenses. This figure serves as a key indicator of the scale and financial performance of Expedia’s global operations in facilitating bookings for various travel services such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. The substantial amount of gross bookings highlights Expedia’s significant presence in the travel industry and its ability to attract and serve a large number of customers seeking travel accommodations and services.

By 2023, the share of mobile travel bookings is expected to reach nearly 70% worldwide.

This statistic refers to the proportion of travel bookings made using mobile devices compared to other methods such as desktop computers or in-person bookings. The projection indicates that by the year 2023, approximately 70% of all travel bookings globally will be done through mobile devices. This demonstrates the increasing reliance and preference for mobile technology in the travel industry, highlighting the convenience and accessibility that mobile platforms provide for consumers when making travel arrangements. The growth of mobile travel bookings may reflect changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements that enable users to efficiently plan and book their travel on-the-go.

Nearly 67% of travelers say they use review sites like TripAdvisor when booking hotels.

The statistic suggests that a significant majority, nearly two-thirds (67%), of travelers rely on review sites such as TripAdvisor when making hotel reservations. This indicates a strong preference among travelers to seek out and consider peer-reviewed feedback and ratings before making their accommodation choices. The widespread use of review sites like TripAdvisor signals a shift in consumer behavior towards leveraging online platforms for informed decision-making in the travel industry. Hoteliers and establishments in the hospitality sector should take note of this trend and prioritize maintaining positive online reputations and engaging with customer reviews to attract and retain travelers who place a high value on peer recommendations.

In 2019, bookings through digital channels accounted for 41% of hotel bookings.

The statistic “In 2019, bookings through digital channels accounted for 41% of hotel bookings” indicates that a significant proportion of hotel reservations were made through online platforms, such as websites, mobile apps, or other digital channels, during the year 2019. This data point suggests a growing trend of consumers preferring the convenience and accessibility of digital booking methods over traditional booking options like phone calls or in-person reservations. The 41% figure highlights the importance of hotels effectively managing their online presence, optimizing their digital strategies, and investing in technologies to meet the evolving preferences of travelers in the digital age.

Travelers in North America are most likely to book through an online travel agency, with 56% doing so.

This statistic indicates that the majority of travelers in North America prefer to book their travel arrangements—such as flights, hotels, and rental cars—through online travel agencies, with 56% of them utilizing this method. Booking through online travel agencies offers convenience, a wide range of choices, and potentially better deals for travelers looking to plan their trips. This trend suggests that online platforms have become increasingly popular and trusted among consumers for arranging their travel needs in North America, highlighting the importance of digital technology in the tourism industry.

In the U.S., 48.7% of the business travel booking market was controlled by online travel agencies in 2019.

This statistic indicates that nearly half (48.7%) of the market share in the business travel booking industry in the United States belonged to online travel agencies in 2019. This means that online platforms, such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb, had a significant influence and control over almost half of the business travel bookings made that year. This suggests a growing trend in the industry towards digital platforms for booking travel accommodations and services, highlighting the increasing shift towards online convenience and technology in the business travel sector. It also signifies the competitive landscape and the dominance of online travel agencies in capturing a substantial portion of the market share compared to traditional methods of booking travel services.

Nearly 40% of all hotel bookings are now done online, with OTAs claiming a significant percentage of these online reservations.

This statistic indicates that a substantial portion, specifically around 40%, of hotel bookings are now conducted through online channels rather than traditional methods. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are playing a notable role in capturing a significant share of these online reservations. This trend highlights the increasing importance of digital platforms in the hospitality industry, as consumers increasingly turn to the convenience and accessibility of online booking options. The competition among OTAs and hotels for online bookings is intensifying, underscoring the need for hoteliers to effectively navigate the digital landscape and leverage online channels to attract customers and drive revenue.

79% of digital travel researchers recalled seeing an online ad as of April 2019.

The statistic ‘79% of digital travel researchers recalled seeing an online ad as of April 2019’ indicates that a significant majority of individuals who engage in digital research related to travel were able to remember encountering online advertisements during that time period. This suggests that online advertising is a prominent and effective method for reaching and engaging with consumers within the travel industry. The high recall rate of online ads among digital travel researchers further underscores the importance of leveraging online advertising strategies to target and influence potential customers in this sector.

33% of travelers use various online platforms to compare prices.

The statistic that 33% of travelers use various online platforms to compare prices indicates that a sizeable proportion of individuals who engage in travel-related activities utilize the internet as a tool for price comparison. This finding suggests that a significant segment of the travel market is leveraging online platforms to seek out the best deals and make informed decisions when it comes to booking accommodations, transportation, and other travel-related services. The popularity of using online platforms for price comparison highlights the importance of digital resources in the travel industry and underscores the trend towards utilizing technology to optimize and personalize the travel planning process.

In 2018, Booking.com and Expedia spent more than $10 billion on marketing.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2018, the companies Booking.com and Expedia collectively allocated a substantial amount exceeding $10 billion towards marketing efforts. This significant investment demonstrates the competitive nature of the online travel industry and the companies’ commitment to promoting their services to attract customers. Such a large marketing expenditure suggests that both companies are likely employing a variety of strategies such as advertising, partnerships, affiliate marketing, and digital campaigns to enhance brand visibility, drive sales, and maintain their market presence amidst fierce competition. The spending highlights the importance of marketing in the online travel sector and underscores the considerable financial resources that major players in the industry are willing to dedicate to these efforts.

Asia Pacific is the largest region for online travel agency bookings, accounting for 37% of the market.

This statistic indicates that the Asia Pacific region holds the highest market share in terms of online travel agency bookings, with a 37% contribution to the total market. This emphasizes the significant role that this region plays in the global online travel agency industry, both in terms of demand for travel services and the adoption of online booking platforms. The high market share suggests that companies operating in this region, as well as those looking to expand their business internationally, should prioritize their strategies and offerings to cater to the preferences and behaviors of consumers in the Asia Pacific region to capitalize on this substantial market opportunity.

OTAs expect a growth rate of 7.3% between 2021 to 2025.

The statistic “OTAs expect a growth rate of 7.3% between 2021 to 2025” indicates that Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) anticipate an annual growth of 7.3% in their business over the next five years. This growth rate reflects the projected increase in the demand for online travel services and the overall expansion of the online travel market. By forecasting a 7.3% growth rate, OTAs are likely basing their expectations on various factors such as emerging travel trends, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. This statistic provides insight into the anticipated trajectory of the OTA industry and suggests a positive outlook for their future performance.

By 2023 it is expected that the online penetration of the travel booking market will reach 47%.

This statistic indicates the projected growth in the online penetration of the travel booking market by the year 2023, with an expected reach of 47%. This implies that nearly half of all travel bookings will be made online, showcasing the increasing reliance on digital platforms for planning and booking travel arrangements. This trend reflects the ongoing shift towards online booking channels due to factors such as convenience, accessibility, and a wider range of options available to consumers. As technology continues to advance and consumers become more comfortable with online transactions, the travel industry is adapting to meet the growing demand for seamless digital booking experiences.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.socialmediatoday.com

2. – https://www.bookingholdings.com

3. – https://www.www.thinkwithgoogle.com

4. – https://www.www.mediapost.com

5. – https://www.prisymid.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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