Mumbai,
23
January
2020
|
15:25
Europe/Amsterdam

Tech-spect the unexpected - tech inspiring travel in 2020

Technology is developing at the speed of light, fueling a sense of wonder, and is being used in new and exciting ways to inspire travellers in 2020. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com study reveals how technology will inspire travel and travellers in 2020. This doesn’t only lie in the introduction of new tech, but also in how people use existing tech, and how it can play a key role in providing travellers with fresh inspiration

77% (vs. the global average of 58%) of Indian travellers say they connect with online travel communities to find insider information into less mainstream destinations, which inspires them to explore something a bit different. Using tech as a vehicle for inspiration continues, with similar amount (77% vs. the global average of 61%) of travellers saying that social and online media introduces them to a wide variety of destinations that they’re unfamiliar with but would be keen to visit.

However, it’s not just about empowering travellers by providing new inspiration to get to their destination – tech will play an even greater role in improving and enhancing the travel experience when they’re there too. The research reveals a continued shift away from the traditional guide book, with 81% (vs. the global average of 63%) of travellers agreeing that travel apps make it easier to find new things to do in places.

Similarly, travellers are also looking to tech for inspiration on where to stay - 81% say that booking websites offer them an easy way to find a place to stay, especially when it comes to looking outside of the main tourist areas. 77% (vs. the global average of 59%) travellers would even want tech to offer them ‘wildcard’ and surprise options that would introduce them to something entirely new.

From search engines to social media, tech is becoming as key to travel itineraries as places to stay or transportation, and is opening up a world of new opportunities for global travellers.

Commenting on the study, Ritu Mehrotra, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, said, “As we proceed towards a new decade, we will see travel becoming more and more sustainable and technologically-advanced, further aided by enhanced services and offerings that enable the modern day inquisitive traveller to experience the world. From catering to their peaked interest in lesser known destinations to counter over-tourism, to customised travel recommendations, we want to ensure that the travellers have the most diverse selection of places to stay at as we help them prepare and plan their travel in 2020 and beyond.” 

To delve deeper into Booking.com’s travel trends for 2020, visit http://TravelPredictions2020.com

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 22,000 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Brazil, India, US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 9th August to 28th August 2019

About Booking.com:

Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com has grown from a small Dutch startup to one of the world’s leading digital travel companies. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences, a range of transportation options and incredible places to stay - from homes to hotels and much more. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses. Booking.com is available in 43 languages and offers more than 29 million total reported accommodation listings, including more than 6.2 million listings alone of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay. No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, Booking.com makes it easy and backs it all up with 24/7 customer support.

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