GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Online Travel Booking Industry Statistics

The online travel booking industry continues to experience steady growth, with a significant increase in the number of bookings being made via mobile devices and a trend towards personalized, experiential travel.

Highlights: Online Travel Booking Industry Statistics

  • 82% of travel bookings in 2018 were completed via a website or mobile app.
  • 65% of same-day hotel reservations are made from a smartphone.
  • The global Online Travel Booking Market size was valued at $765 billion in 2019.
  • Digital travel sales in the United States reached $218.33 billion dollars in 2021.
  • Online travel sales are expected to reach $817 billion by 2020.
  • The average traveler checks 10-12 travel resources before booking.
  • More than half (58%) of travelers begin researching their next trip between one and three months in advance.
  • Out of the top 10% most frequent travelers, 50% have booked on mobile.
  • Booking.com, one of the giants in the online travel booking industry, offers more than 28 million accommodation listings, including over 6.2 million homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay.
  • In 2018, 148.3 million people made travel bookings online.
  • Expedia is the most popular online travel agency in the United States, with a 31.4% share of revenue in 2019.
  • Chinese online travel agency Ctrip controls around 60% of the online travel market in China.
  • In 2017, $372 billion was spent on online travel sales in the United States.
  • In 2021, 72% of travelers prefer online travel booking to phone calls.
  • The U.S. online travel agency market is predicted to reach $145.8 billion by 2026.
  • In 2019, business travelers made up approximately 12% of the total U.S. digital travel sales.
  • Approximately 32% of mobile users have booked or planned a trip using a mobile app.
  • It is projected that by 2023, digital travel sales would make up 43.8% of total global travel sales.
  • The share of online travel bookings were expected to reach 60% of all visits in 2021.

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The Latest Online Travel Booking Industry Statistics Explained

82% of travel bookings in 2018 were completed via a website or mobile app.

The statistic ‘82% of travel bookings in 2018 were completed via a website or mobile app’ indicates that the majority of travel bookings during that year were made through online platforms rather than through traditional methods such as phone calls or in-person visits. This suggests a strong trend towards digitalization in the travel industry, with consumers increasingly preferring the convenience and accessibility of online booking options. The high percentage also reflects the growing reliance on technology and the internet for various aspects of travel planning and booking. Overall, the statistic highlights a shift in consumer behavior and the importance of online platforms in the travel sector.

65% of same-day hotel reservations are made from a smartphone.

The statistic that 65% of same-day hotel reservations are made from a smartphone signifies the increasing trend of using mobile devices for travel bookings, particularly for last-minute accommodations. This data highlights the convenience and accessibility provided by smartphones for consumers looking to make quick and spontaneous reservation decisions. With the rise of mobile applications and user-friendly websites optimizing the booking experience on smartphones, hotels and travel businesses need to carefully consider mobile compatibility and user experience in order to cater to this substantial portion of customers making same-day reservations.

The global Online Travel Booking Market size was valued at $765 billion in 2019.

The statistic that the global Online Travel Booking Market size was valued at $765 billion in 2019 indicates the total economic value generated by the online travel booking industry worldwide during that year. This figure represents the combination of all transactions related to online booking of travel services, including accommodations, flights, car rentals, and activities. The substantial size of the market reflects the increasing trend of consumers turning to online platforms for planning and booking their travel arrangements. This statistic suggests a significant economic impact and growth potential within the online travel booking sector, highlighting its importance in the global travel and tourism industry.

Digital travel sales in the United States reached $218.33 billion dollars in 2021.

The statistic ‘Digital travel sales in the United States reached $218.33 billion dollars in 2021’ indicates the total amount of money generated from online purchases of travel-related products and services in the United States throughout the year 2021. This figure represents the significant economic impact of digital transactions within the travel industry and highlights the increasing trend of consumers utilizing digital platforms to plan and book their travel arrangements. The substantial sum underscores the importance of the digital travel market and its contribution to the overall economy, reflecting the preferences of consumers for online booking convenience and accessibility.

Online travel sales are expected to reach $817 billion by 2020.

The statistic “Online travel sales are expected to reach $817 billion by 2020” indicates the projected total revenue generated from online transactions related to the travel industry by the year 2020. This statistic provides insight into the rapid growth and significance of online travel sales, highlighting the increasing popularity and reliance on e-commerce platforms for booking travel services such as flights, accommodations, and tours. The projected figure of $817 billion suggests a substantial market size and economic impact of online travel sales, reflecting the evolving consumer behavior towards digital channels for travel planning and booking.

The average traveler checks 10-12 travel resources before booking.

This statistic suggests that, on average, travelers tend to consult between 10 to 12 different sources of information before making a booking decision. This behavior likely reflects the modern traveler’s desire to thoroughly research and compare various options in order to ensure they are getting the best deal or experience. By checking multiple travel resources, such as websites, reviews, and recommendations, travelers can gather comprehensive information about potential destinations, accommodations, and activities, ultimately helping them make more informed and confident decisions when planning their trips.

More than half (58%) of travelers begin researching their next trip between one and three months in advance.

The statistic suggests that a majority (58%) of travelers engage in trip planning well in advance, with a significant portion starting their research between one and three months prior to their actual travel dates. This indicates that many travelers are proactive in seeking out information and making decisions about their upcoming trips ahead of time, possibly to secure the best deals, accommodations, and experiences. The trend of starting trip research early may also reflect a desire for thorough planning and anticipation of their travel needs, enabling them to make well-informed decisions and maximize their travel experiences.

Out of the top 10% most frequent travelers, 50% have booked on mobile.

This statistic indicates that among the top 10% most frequent travelers, half of them have made their bookings using a mobile device. This suggests that a significant portion of highly frequent travelers prefer the convenience and accessibility of booking their travel arrangements through mobile devices rather than traditional methods. The data implies a trend towards mobile booking among this particular segment of travelers, potentially driven by the ease of use and flexibility offered by mobile applications and websites in the travel industry. Understanding the preferences and behaviors of these high-frequency travelers can help travel companies tailor their services and marketing strategies to better cater to this segment of customers.

Booking.com, one of the giants in the online travel booking industry, offers more than 28 million accommodation listings, including over 6.2 million homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay.

The statistic reveals that Booking.com, a prominent player in the online travel booking sector, provides an extensive range of accommodation options with over 28 million listings available for booking. This vast selection includes more than 6.2 million homes, apartments, and other distinct types of accommodations, demonstrating the platform’s diverse offerings for travelers seeking a place to stay during their trips. The availability of such a large number of accommodation listings underscores Booking.com’s extensive reach and the variety of choices it offers to consumers, catering to different preferences and needs when booking lodging for their travel experiences.

In 2018, 148.3 million people made travel bookings online.

The statistic states that in the year 2018, a total of 148.3 million individuals engaged in making travel bookings through online platforms. This figure represents a significant portion of the global population and highlights the growing trend of online travel booking services. The increase in online bookings may be attributed to factors such as convenience, access to a wide range of options, and the ability to compare prices easily. The statistic also underscores the shift towards digital platforms for various consumer activities, including travel planning and booking.

Expedia is the most popular online travel agency in the United States, with a 31.4% share of revenue in 2019.

The statistic that Expedia is the most popular online travel agency in the United States, holding a 31.4% share of revenue in 2019, indicates that Expedia dominated the market compared to its competitors within the online travel industry. This means that out of all the revenue generated by online travel agencies in the United States in 2019, Expedia accounted for nearly a third of it. This high market share suggests that Expedia is a preferred choice for consumers when booking travel services online, potentially due to factors such as brand recognition, service quality, pricing, and range of offerings. A large market share can also signify a strong competitive position, which may provide Expedia with advantages such as economies of scale and bargaining power with suppliers.

Chinese online travel agency Ctrip controls around 60% of the online travel market in China.

The statistic stating that Chinese online travel agency Ctrip controls around 60% of the online travel market in China reflects the dominant position Ctrip holds in the industry. This high market share indicates that Ctrip is a leading player in the online travel sector within China, capturing a significant portion of the consumer base looking to book travel services online. With such a substantial market share, Ctrip likely enjoys a competitive advantage over other online travel agencies operating in China, potentially through factors such as brand recognition, service offerings, pricing strategies, or technology capabilities. This statistic highlights the strong market position of Ctrip and its influence on the online travel landscape in China.

In 2017, $372 billion was spent on online travel sales in the United States.

The statistic “In 2017, $372 billion was spent on online travel sales in the United States” represents the total amount of money that American consumers spent on purchasing travel-related products and services through online platforms in the year 2017. This figure highlights the significant economic activity within the online travel industry in the United States during that specific year. The spending on online travel sales reflects the growing trend of consumers using digital platforms to plan and book their trips, indicating a shift towards online shopping behavior in the travel sector. This statistic is important for understanding the scale and impact of online travel sales on the overall economy and consumer behavior in the United States.

In 2021, 72% of travelers prefer online travel booking to phone calls.

The statistic indicates that in 2021, 72% of travelers have a preference for booking their travel arrangements online rather than through phone calls. This trend suggests a significant shift towards digital platforms for making reservations and purchasing tickets among travelers. The data highlights the growing importance of online booking services and the convenience, efficiency, and flexibility they offer to consumers in the travel industry. This statistic underscores the impact of technology on changing consumer behaviors and preferences, particularly in the context of travel planning and booking.

The U.S. online travel agency market is predicted to reach $145.8 billion by 2026.

The statistic indicates a forecasted value for the U.S. online travel agency market, suggesting that the total revenue generated by online travel agencies is expected to increase to $145.8 billion by the year 2026. This prediction reflects growth within the industry and implies that consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to book travel-related services such as flights, accommodation, and activities. Factors contributing to this projected expansion may include the convenience and accessibility of online booking, as well as potential shifts in consumer behavior towards digital platforms for travel planning and purchasing. Overall, this statistic highlights the significant market potential and opportunities within the online travel agency industry in the United States over the coming years.

In 2019, business travelers made up approximately 12% of the total U.S. digital travel sales.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, business travelers accounted for roughly 12% of all digital travel sales in the United States. This data suggests that a significant portion of the total revenue generated from online travel bookings came from individuals traveling for business purposes. The percentage may reflect the importance of business travel in the overall travel industry and highlights the significant contribution that this segment makes to the digital travel market. Understanding the proportion of business travelers in digital travel sales can help travel companies tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to better meet the needs and preferences of this particular market segment.

Approximately 32% of mobile users have booked or planned a trip using a mobile app.

The statistic that approximately 32% of mobile users have booked or planned a trip using a mobile app indicates a significant trend in consumer behavior towards using mobile technology for travel-related activities. This suggests that a sizable portion of the population is increasingly relying on mobile apps to facilitate their trip planning and booking processes, highlighting the convenience and accessibility offered by such technology. The statistic also points to the growing importance of mobile app platforms in the travel industry, where companies need to adapt and enhance their mobile offerings to cater to this segment of users. It showcases the evolution of technology in shaping how individuals engage with travel services and underscores the impact of mobile apps on modern travel behavior.

It is projected that by 2023, digital travel sales would make up 43.8% of total global travel sales.

This statistic indicates the anticipated trend in the travel industry by stating that digital travel sales are forecasted to represent 43.8% of the total global travel sales by the year 2023. This projection suggests a significant and growing share of travel transactions being conducted online through digital platforms such as websites and mobile applications. The increasing popularity of digital booking and payment methods, as well as the convenience and accessibility of online travel services, are likely drivers behind this expected shift. This statistic highlights the ongoing digital transformation in the travel sector and underscores the importance for businesses to adapt and capitalize on digital technologies to remain competitive in the evolving market landscape.

The share of online travel bookings were expected to reach 60% of all visits in 2021.

The statistic implies that in 2021, an estimated 60% of all travel-related bookings were anticipated to be made through online platforms. This suggests a significant shift towards digital channels for planning and booking travel arrangements, indicating the increasing reliance on technology and online resources within the travel industry. The rise of online travel bookings can be attributed to factors such as convenience, ease of comparison, and the availability of a wide range of options online. This trend highlights the importance of digital strategies for travel companies to meet the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers in an increasingly interconnected world.

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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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