Experience Seamless and Personalised Travel with Booking.com

Hong Kong, 12 April 2024 – Booking.com, the world's leading digital travel platform, is thrilled to launch its captivating travel predictions for 2024 for Hong Kongers. With a thorough understanding of the evolving travel trends and habits, Booking.com continues to revolutionise the way Hong Kong travellers plan and embark on their trips. By offering a wide range of accommodations, flights, car rentals, and the innovative Connected Trip feature, Booking.com empowers customers to create unique and unforgettable journeys.

Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region can expect to see a strong recovery in travel demand in 2024. According to Booking.com, between 23 and 26 March 2024, the top destinations search results for July to August this year by Hong Kong travellers included Japan, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, there was a notable 34% year-on-year increase in searches for New York in the United States and a significant 179% increase for Madrid in Spain, suggesting that Hong Kong travellers are keen to expand their exploration to destinations beyond the Asia-Pacific region.

The shift of travelling habit among Hongkongers in 2024

The purpose of travel has shifted significantly in 2024. It is no longer solely an escape but a catalyst for experiencing our best lives. A new travel trend of spontaneous and adventurous has emerged among Hong Kong travellers. According to Booking.com's Travel Predictions 2024, 52% of Hong Kong travellers expressed interest in booking trips where the destination remains a mystery until they arrive. Moreover, over half of Hong Kong travellers are eager to explore off the beaten path, discovering hidden gems and immersing themselves in local culture; and 47% of Hong Kong travellers are open to travelling with strangers, fostering connections, and creating unique memories along the way.

Other than the shifting preferences of modern travellers, there has also been a stronger emphasis on innovation and wellness.  78% of Hong Kong travellers believing in transforming into their best selves while exploring the world. From seeking deeper connections and self-discovery to strengthening bonds with partners (20%) and healing heartbreak overseas (51%), travel has become a transformative force. Hong Kong travellers are ready to embark on a voyage that goes beyond mere destinations, where personal growth and unforgettable experiences await at every turn.

Kyle Fu, Area Manager, North APAC, Booking.com, said, "At Booking.com, we are committed to providing travellers with seamless and personalised travel experiences. By observing the shift of Hong Kong traveller’s behaviour and preference, we will continue to enhance advanced technology and expand the network of partners, which allow us to cater to the evolving needs and desires of our customers. With Booking.com, Hong Kong residents can unlock a world of new travel trends and embark on unforgettable journeys."

Elevate travel with innovative technology

Technology has transformed the way of travelling in this new era. Not only has the technology enabled effortless trip planning and navigation for adventurous travellers, but it has also reshaped all aspects of attractions and brought convenience to both guests and valued partners. In Q4 of 2023, mobile app bookings surged, accounting for 53% of total bookings. Throughout 2023, Booking.com maintained its position as the world's most downloaded travel app, offering travelers unparalleled convenience and a user-friendly platform.

To cater to the evolving needs of travellers, Booking.com leverages advanced technology to provide tailor-made recommendations, smooth booking experiences, and efficient trip management. The latest product of Booking.com is the pilot launch of the new AI Trip Planner. Using conversational, natural language, travellers can easily chat to describe what they are looking for, ask questions and refine their trip plans in real time. With the AI Trip Planner, travellers can effortlessly communicate their preferences, requirements, and desired experiences, enabling the generation of tailored itineraries within seconds.  AI Trip Planner is initially rolled out in the US, Booking.com will be launching the feature in more markets in APAC very soon.

Seamless travel experiences with Booking.com's Connected Trip

Booking.com's Connected Trip offers travellers a comprehensive solution of all travel trends, needs and predictions in 2024. The Connected Trip feature provides a one-stop solution, including flight bookings, accommodations, transportation options, and personalised sightseeing recommendations. Additionally, they can conveniently book attraction tickets and workshops through Booking.com. Booking Holdings Inc. witnessed a remarkable 46% year-on-year increase in airline ticket bookings during the fourth quarter, driven by the continuous growth of different offerings. Furthermore, the alternative accommodation room nights for the full year of 2023 experienced an impressive 24% year-on-year surge.

Booking.com remains one of the go-to platforms for Hong Kong travellers when planning their next extraordinary adventure. By connecting travellers with a vast network of partners worldwide, Booking.com ensures that every journey is tailored to individual preferences and enhances the overall travel experience.