GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Online Travel Industry Statistics

The online travel industry is expected to generate approximately $817 billion in revenue by 2020, with a CAGR of 11%.

Highlights: Online Travel Industry Statistics

  • Online travel sales globally were projected to reach 818 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.
  • 83% of US people prefer using online platforms for travel booking.
  • In 2019, Expedia was the leading online travel company, with a gross booking of $107.9 billion.
  • Online travel booking market is projected to reach US $1,204 Billion by 2027.
  • Mobile travel bookings were responsible for 40% of total online travel sales in 2019.
  • Millennials are 23% more likely to travel abroad than older generations, implying an impact on online travel industry.
  • By 2025, the digital travel penetration rate is expected to reach almost 60%.
  • 148.3 million travel bookings are made online each year.
  • Online user penetration in the eTravel market is expected to hit 41.4% by 2024.
  • Online sales of travel-related services reached nearly $755 billion in 2019.
  • Global digital travel sales were expected to fall by 50.6% in 2020 due to COVID-19.
  • The Asia Pacific region is expected to record the highest growth in the online travel industry by 2025.
  • 82% of travel bookings in 2018 were completed without any human interaction.
  • 39% of all hotel bookings in 2020 were done online.
  • Mobile bookings constituted 28% of the total online travel bookings in 2019.
  • The online travel industry is expected to reach an estimated value of $1091.9 billion in 2022.
  • Europe holds the largest share (35.7%) of the global online travel industry in 2019.
  • In 2018, 80% of the total travel sales online originated from websites, and only 20% from the mobile app.
  • 38% of Millennials show a preference for spending their money on experiences such as travel.

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The Latest Online Travel Industry Statistics Explained

Online travel sales globally were projected to reach 818 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.

The statistic indicates that online travel sales were forecasted to amount to 818 billion U.S. dollars on a global scale in the year 2020. This figure represents the total projected revenue generated by online transactions for travel-related services and products such as airline tickets, hotel bookings, tours, and activities. The significant growth in online travel sales reflects the increasing trend of consumers utilizing digital platforms and technology for planning and booking their travel arrangements. Factors contributing to this rise may include the convenience, accessibility, and often competitive pricing offered by online travel agencies and booking websites. The statistic emphasizes the substantial economic impact of e-commerce within the travel industry and highlights the evolving preferences and behaviors of modern travelers worldwide.

83% of US people prefer using online platforms for travel booking.

The statistic that 83% of US people prefer using online platforms for travel booking indicates a strong preference among the majority of individuals in the United States for utilizing digital tools and websites when planning and booking their travel arrangements. This high percentage suggests that online platforms have become the preferred method for accessing travel-related information and making reservations due to their convenience, accessibility, and potential cost savings. The widespread adoption of online booking services highlights the increasing reliance on technology in the travel industry and underscores the importance for travel companies to maintain a strong online presence to cater to customer preferences and behaviors.

In 2019, Expedia was the leading online travel company, with a gross booking of $107.9 billion.

The statistic implies that in 2019, Expedia held the dominant position in the online travel industry, outperforming its competitors in terms of gross bookings. The figure of $107.9 billion represents the total value of bookings processed by Expedia throughout the year, indicating a high level of customer transactions and revenue generation. This statistic underscores Expedia’s significant market share and success in attracting travelers to use its online platform for booking flights, accommodations, and other travel-related services. It also serves as a testament to the company’s strength and influence within the competitive online travel sector during that particular year.

Online travel booking market is projected to reach US $1,204 Billion by 2027.

The statistic that the online travel booking market is projected to reach US $1,204 billion by 2027 indicates a significant growth and economic opportunity in the online booking industry. This projection suggests that consumers are increasingly relying on online platforms to plan and book their travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, and experiences. The substantial growth in this market could be attributed to factors such as the convenience and accessibility of online booking platforms, technological advancements enabling easier travel planning, and the increasing trend of online shopping and transactions. This statistic underscores the continued shift towards digital solutions in the travel industry and presents opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the growing demand for online travel services.

Mobile travel bookings were responsible for 40% of total online travel sales in 2019.

The statistic indicates that mobile devices were used for approximately 40% of all online travel sales transactions in 2019. This suggests that a significant portion of consumers preferred to make their travel bookings using mobile phones or tablets rather than traditional desktop computers or in-person bookings. The rise of mobile bookings could be attributed to the convenience and accessibility of using smartphones for making travel arrangements on the go. This trend reflects the increasing reliance on mobile technology for a wide variety of activities, including the purchase of travel services, signaling the importance for travel companies to optimize their platforms for mobile users to capture this growing market segment.

Millennials are 23% more likely to travel abroad than older generations, implying an impact on online travel industry.

The statistic that Millennials are 23% more likely to travel abroad than older generations suggests a significant generational difference in travel behavior. This finding has implications for the online travel industry, as it indicates a greater demand for international travel services among Millennials compared to older demographics. As Millennials are digital natives who are comfortable using technology for planning and booking trips, this trend is likely to drive growth in online travel sales and influence the types of services and experiences that are in demand. Understanding and catering to the unique preferences and behaviors of Millennials will be crucial for online travel companies looking to capitalize on this demographic trend and remain competitive in the market.

By 2025, the digital travel penetration rate is expected to reach almost 60%.

This statistic indicates that by the year 2025, the proportion of individuals using digital platforms for travel-related activities is projected to nearly reach 60%. The digital travel penetration rate refers to the percentage of people utilizing online platforms, such as booking websites, mobile apps, and social media, for planning, booking, and managing their travel arrangements. The expected increase in this rate signifies a significant shift towards digitalization within the travel industry, with more travelers embracing technology as a primary tool for organizing their trips. This trend is likely driven by various factors, including the convenience, accessibility, and personalized features offered by digital travel platforms.

148.3 million travel bookings are made online each year.

The statistic ‘148.3 million travel bookings are made online each year’ represents the total number of travel reservations or bookings that are processed through online channels within a year. This figure is indicative of the significant shift towards digital platforms for booking travel arrangements such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. The growth of online booking platforms can be attributed to the convenience, accessibility, and competitive pricing offered to consumers. This statistic highlights the increasing reliance on digital technology in the travel industry, as more travelers opt for the ease and efficiency of online booking platforms over traditional methods.

Online user penetration in the eTravel market is expected to hit 41.4% by 2024.

The statistic ‘Online user penetration in the eTravel market is expected to hit 41.4% by 2024’ indicates the projected proportion of individuals using online platforms for travel-related activities in relation to the total population involved in the eTravel market. This statistic suggests a growing trend towards utilizing online platforms for travel purposes, as more people are expected to engage in booking flights, accommodations, and other travel services online. The increasing online user penetration in the eTravel market signifies a shift towards digitalization and the convenience and accessibility offered by online platforms for planning and booking travel activities. This anticipated growth underscores the importance for businesses in the eTravel industry to adapt and optimize their online presence to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

Online sales of travel-related services reached nearly $755 billion in 2019.

The statistic ‘Online sales of travel-related services reached nearly $755 billion in 2019’ highlights the substantial growth and significance of the online travel industry. This figure demonstrates the increasing trend of consumers utilizing online platforms to book travel services such as flights, accommodations, and activities. The substantial dollar amount signifies the substantial economic impact of the online travel sector as it continues to capture a significant portion of the overall travel market. The data also suggests the potential for further growth and evolution in the online travel industry as technology and consumer preferences continue to shape the way people plan and book their travel experiences.

Global digital travel sales were expected to fall by 50.6% in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The statistic that global digital travel sales were expected to fall by 50.6% in 2020 due to COVID-19 indicates a significant and drastic decline in online travel purchases attributed to the impact of the global pandemic. The widespread travel restrictions, border closures, and uncertainty surrounding health and safety measures led to a sharp decrease in travel demand and consumer confidence, causing a steep decline in digital bookings and transactions. This statistic underscores the significant economic repercussions of COVID-19 on the travel industry, highlighting the profound challenges faced by the digital travel sector in adapting to the changing landscape and consumer behavior during the pandemic.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to record the highest growth in the online travel industry by 2025.

The statistic indicates that the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience the most significant increase in the online travel industry by the year 2025 compared to other regions worldwide. This suggests that there will be a substantial rise in online travel bookings, transactions, and overall market size within the Asia Pacific region over the next few years. Factors driving this growth may include increasing internet penetration, rising disposable incomes, changing consumer preferences towards online booking platforms, and a growing middle class population with a propensity for travel. As a result, businesses operating in the online travel industry may find lucrative opportunities for expansion and investment within the Asia Pacific region.

82% of travel bookings in 2018 were completed without any human interaction.

The statistic that 82% of travel bookings in 2018 were completed without any human interaction indicates a significant shift towards automated and self-service methods in the travel industry. This trend suggests that the majority of travelers are now utilizing online platforms, mobile apps, and automated systems to book their trips, rather than relying on traditional methods involving human agents. The increasing convenience, efficiency, and accessibility of digital booking tools have enabled travelers to independently plan and book their journeys, reflecting a broader trend towards automation and technology-driven solutions in the travel sector.

39% of all hotel bookings in 2020 were done online.

The statistic ‘39% of all hotel bookings in 2020 were done online’ indicates that nearly four out of every ten hotel bookings made in 2020 were completed through online channels such as travel websites or mobile apps. This suggests a significant shift towards digital platforms for booking accommodations, likely influenced by the convenience, accessibility, and variety of options presented online. As more travelers rely on online booking services, it becomes imperative for the hotel industry to enhance their online presence, optimize their websites for user experience, and leverage digital marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage with a growing number of online customers.

Mobile bookings constituted 28% of the total online travel bookings in 2019.

The statistic indicates that 28% of all online travel bookings made in 2019 were conducted through mobile devices. This means that nearly one-third of the total online bookings in the travel industry were made using smartphones or tablets. The prevalence of mobile bookings highlights the increasing trend of consumers utilizing mobile technology for their travel planning and reservations. This data is significant for businesses in the travel sector as it underscores the importance of optimizing their online platforms for mobile users to cater to the evolving preferences and behaviors of their customer base.

The online travel industry is expected to reach an estimated value of $1091.9 billion in 2022.

The statistic that the online travel industry is expected to reach an estimated value of $1091.9 billion in 2022 indicates the projected size and economic significance of the online travel sector for the upcoming year. This figure reflects the anticipated total value of online travel services, including bookings, reservations, and other related activities carried out through digital platforms. The substantial amount suggests a growing trend towards online travel bookings and highlights the increasing adoption of digital channels in the travel industry. This statistic is crucial for stakeholders such as businesses, policymakers, and investors as it underscores the industry’s potential for growth, innovation, and market opportunities in the coming year.

Europe holds the largest share (35.7%) of the global online travel industry in 2019.

The statistic indicates that Europe accounted for 35.7% of the total online travel industry market share in 2019, making it the dominant region in the online travel sector globally. This suggests that a significant portion of online travel bookings, such as flights, accommodations, and activities, were generated from within Europe during that year. This statistic may reflect factors such as strong internet penetration rates, a high degree of digital adoption in the region, and a robust travel infrastructure. It also highlights the importance of the European market for online travel companies and the potential opportunities for further growth and expansion in the region.

In 2018, 80% of the total travel sales online originated from websites, and only 20% from the mobile app.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the majority (80%) of travel sales conducted online came from website platforms, while only a minority (20%) originated from mobile applications. This suggests that online travel customers predominantly preferred using websites over mobile apps to make their purchases during that time period. The data underscores the significance of websites as the leading channel for travel sales, highlighting the importance for businesses in the travel industry to optimize their website platforms to cater to customer preferences and enhance the overall online shopping experience.

38% of Millennials show a preference for spending their money on experiences such as travel.

The statistic that 38% of Millennials show a preference for spending their money on experiences such as travel highlights a notable trend among this generation regarding their consumption behavior. This statistic indicates that a significant proportion of Millennials prioritize experiential purchases over material possessions, suggesting that they place a high value on creating memories, seeking new adventures, and exploring the world. This preference for experiential spending can be indicative of Millennials’ desire for personal growth, self-discovery, and a fulfilling lifestyle that emphasizes shared experiences and moments of joy. Understanding this preference can have implications for businesses and marketers targeting Millennials, as it underscores the importance of offering experiences that resonate with their values and aspirations.

Conclusion

With the rapid growth of the online travel industry and the increasing demand for convenient travel booking options, it is evident that online platforms have become essential for both travelers and businesses in the travel sector. By staying informed about the latest trends and statistics in the online travel industry, businesses can make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

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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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