TRAVEL Data Pack Q1 2021 Executive Summary
Welcome to the Travel Data Pack. Every quarter, we analyze data from our travel clients, including billions of dollars in transactions, and conduct a global survey of travelers to uncover the latest trends.
Here's what we learned about the state of travel in Q1 2021:
Worldwide air travel is still down, but some countries like the US and Japan are starting to recover, with domestic flights showing the most growth.
Hotel bookings worldwide are getting back on track, and vacation rentals is the first travel category to surpass 2020 performance.
Travelers are still worried about Covid-19, but it's not stopping them from booking short trips to see loved ones. That said, most travelers will stick to domestic trips for the next 12 months, divided almost equally between car travel and planes for their next trip.
Data and survey findings point to a travel renaissance in the Fall, with longer duration trips planned and more rentals booked.
Fully refundable tickets, continued social distancing, and sanitation measures will be key to earning customer trust and bookings moving forward.
See the supporting data and additional insights inside! Agenda
1 Q1 2021 Trends by Travel Category
2 Travel Sentiment and Outlook
3 Mobile and App Usage
4 Recommendations Air Travel Q1 2021 Trends Worldwide
Indexed Weekly Air Bookings YoY
160 145 141 138 137 140 134 132 Worldwide air travel 124 120 remains down 108 105 98 100 In Q1 2020, air bookings dropped 80 progressively as COVID-19 spread globally. 66 66 66 64 64 62 59 56 55 56 57 60 54 52 54 54 One year later, air bookings remain down 36% in April 2021, growing slowly from -48% 40 30 21 earlier in January. 17 20
0
2020 2021
Source: Indexed bookings, worldwide, compared to average in December 2019. Same set of partners in the air category with stable sales tracking during the period. US
Indexed Weekly Air Bookings YoY
160 149 147 150 143 142 138 136 138 US air travel is 140 132 132 recovering steadily 120
100 88 87 85 82 US air bookings dropped abruptly in March 77 80 80 73 2020, as travel restrictions increased. 68 66 62 58 53 52 53 One year later, air bookings in the US are 60 51 seeing a steady increase, in step with rising 40 28 25 25 vaccination and confidence levels. 20
0
2020 2021
Source: Indexed US bookings, compared to average in December 2019. Same set of partners in the air category with stable sales tracking during the period. Worldwide
Indexed Weekly Air Bookings YoY
Americas EMEA APAC 140 Air travel recovery differs 123 by global region 120
100 92 86 85 85 Air travel is improving quicker in the Americas 82 83 83 81 81 75 76 and APAC than in EMEA, as COVID-19 still 80 71 63 impacts the continent heavily, with a number 57 53 60 51 50 51 of lockdowns remaining in place across 46 42 Europe. 40 34 34 28 30 25 26
20 12 10
0
Source: Indexed bookings, compared to average in December 2019. Same set of Air players with stable sales tracking during the period. Worldwide
2021 Domestic v. International Flights
110 Domestic flights are 100 recovering more quickly 90 80
Domestic and international travels have both 70 been deeply impacted year over year. 60 55 International flights saw the biggest drop as 50 travelers faced more restrictions and 43 39 uncertainties. 40 28 30 As of March 2021, international flights are seeing a slow recovery, while domestic flights 20 are recovering more rapidly. 10 Domestic International
February 2021 March 2021
Source: Index worldwide air bookings by destination compared to the same period in 2020. Same set of travel clients with stable tracking of bookings during the period. Worldwide
Average Booking Values YoY, Air Air ticket prices 120 are ticking up 100 100 95 In Q1 2021, international travels decreased as
COVID-19 was still spreading, impacting average 80 70 booking values in air travel. 67 67
Travelers have also avoided high-ticket international 60 55 flights and instead opted to stay closer to home.
40 In order to entice potential bookers, airlines made concessions in their pricing. 20 Booking values, however, have grown 22% from January to February in 2021 and remain flat February 0 to March. January February March
2020 2021
Source: Indexed booking values, worldwide, Compared to average in January 2020. Same set of air players with stable sales tracking during the period. Worldwide
Conversion Rate % by Region & Travel Category
130 123 118 Flyers are booking 120 115 with confidence 110 There are less people looking to 100 98 97 travel compared to last year. However, air 90 travelers in all regions are showing more 81 80 decisiveness in their selection, with conversion 73 rates hovering near pre-pandemic levels. 70 62 62 Hotels in the Americas and EMEA show a 60 higher rate of searches prior to booking, 50 compared to last year. 40 Americas APAC EMEA
Air Car Rental Hotel
Source: Indexed worldwide conversion rate % compared to average from January 6th to March 15th, 2020. Same set of Travel Clients with stable sales tracking during the period. Conversion Rate = SUM(BUYERS)/SUM(Visitors) Hotel Q1 2021 Trends Worldwide
Indexed Weekly Hotel Bookings YoY
140
118 Worldwide hotel bookings 120 114 112 are getting back on track 107 100 95 95 87
73 80 70 Hotel bookings dropped throughout Q1 last 59 61 59 58 60 54 53 53 year, globally. 50 49 46 47 60 42 39 39 41 36 40 26 19 In Q1 2021, hotel bookings surpassed 2020 20 levels near mid-March, as vaccine distribution increased in a number of countries. 0
2020 2021
Source: Indexed worldwide bookings, Compared to average in December 2019. Same set of partners in the hotel category with stable sales tracking during the period. US
Indexed Weekly Hotel Bookings YoY
160 138 US hotel rooms are 140 133 133 134 132 125 127 126 118 filling up again 120 99 97 100 94 93 93 88 88 In the US, bookings dropped dramatically in 85 73 74 80 69 March 2020. 63 63 66 57 60 60
40 33 After over a year in lockdowns, bookings for 26 23 hotels in the US are up in March, just in time 20 for Spring. The trend in Q1 suggests a strong 0 desire to reconnect and/or getaway.
2020 2021
Source: Indexed US hotel bookings, Compared to average in December 2019. Same set of partners in the hotel category with stable sales tracking during the period. Worldwide
Indexed Weekly Hotel Bookings YoY
Americas EMEA APAC Hotel recovery differs by 140 global region 120 96 100 The latest lockdowns in Europe at the end of 82 82 78 80 78 Q1 2021 have negatively impacted the trend, 80 66 65 62 62 while hotels are improving quickly in the 58 57 56 60 53 55 Americas, particularly in the United States. 40 37 36 40 28 30 29 28 25 22 20 21 21 14 20 11 10
0
Source: Indexed bookings, compared to average in December 2019. Same set of Hotel players with stable sales tracking during the period. Worldwide
Average Booking Values YoY, Hotel
110
Hotel rooms are seeing 100 99 100 96 increased demand 94
90 86 Average booking values saw steady growth 80 in Q1 2021, with March almost at 2020 levels. 80
This trend reflects greater demand for hotel 70 rooms, and slightly longer average stays.
60
50 January February March
2020 2021
Source: Indexed worldwide booking values, Compared to Average in January 2020. Same set of Hotel Partners with stable sales tracking during the period. Vacation Rentals Q1 2021 Trends Worldwide
Vacation rentals are the first travel category to surpass 2020 performance
Indexed Daily Bookings YoY, Vacation Rentals
300
252 244 250 233 217 203 209 204 193 200
144 150 123 127 118 115 113 115 108 105 110 106 111 111 96 98 100 81 104 103 62 41 42 50 34
0
Source: Indexed Daily Bookings, compared to Average in December 2019. Same set of Travel Clients with stable bookings tracking during the period. US
US vacation rentals grew significantly throughout Q1 2021
Indexed Daily Bookings YoY, Vacation Rentals
160 142 140 139 140 132 133 132 132 134 133 128 131
120 113 113 111 101 97 100 94 88 108 80 75 75 78 80 74 73 65 60 48 46 48 40 40
20
0
Source: Indexed Daily Bookings, compared to Average in December 2019. Same set of Travel Clients with stable bookings tracking during the period. Worldwide
Indexed Weekly Booking YoY, Vacation Rentals
Americas EMEA APAC 140 133 127 Vacation rentals are 122 117 120 113 recovering more quickly 109 96 98 100 93 in EMEA 95 82 84 80 Europe is leading the recovery in vacation 68 rentals, as domestic and 'workation' getaways 60 49 47 45 45 45 are seen as suitable travel opportunities. 41 41 41 38 40 38 38 40 40 34 APAC remains close to March 2020 lows, with 26 16 16 improvements suspended in recent weeks. 20
0
Source: Indexed bookings, compared to average in December 2019. Same set of Vacation Rentals players with stable sales tracking during the period. Worldwide
Average Booking Values YoY, Vacation Rentals
120
109 Longer, safer stay 110 104 104 perception of rentals keeps 100 100 average booking values 92 90 above 2020 levels 85
Average booking values have remained 80 consistently higher than last year. Travelers 70 continue to book rentals, which provide the best long-term options and social distancing. 60
50 January February March
2020 2021
Source: Indexed worldwide booking values, Compared to Average in January 2020. Same set of Travel Clients with stable sales tracking during the period. Car Rentals Q1 2021 Trends Worldwide
Worldwide car rentals are holding steady
Indexed Daily Bookings YoY, Car Rentals
300
252 244 250 233 217 203 209 204 193 200
144 150 127 118 123 115 113 111 115 111 108 105 110 106 104 96 98 100 81 103 62 41 42 50 34
0
Source: Indexed daily bookings, worldwide, compared to average in December 1-28 2019. Same set of travel clients with stable bookings tracking during the period. Worldwide
US car rentals are recovering slowly
Indexed Daily Bookings YoY, Car Rentals
160 140 138 137 134 140 130 133 130 123 117 120 100 100
80 68 62 61 63 57 60 60 49 46 44 41 43 41 43 41 41 59 40 32 21 18 19 20
0
Source: Indexed daily bookings, worldwide, compared to average in December 1-28 2019. Same set of travel clients with stable bookings tracking during the period. Worldwide
Indexed Weekly Booking YoY, Car Rentals
Americas EMEA APAC APAC sees the quickest 140 120 recovery of car rentals 105 100 97 100 88 While EMEA and the Americas have seen a 81 79 81 very similar impact of COVID-19 on car rentals, 80 73
APAC demonstrates an early recovery for this 56 58 60 55 53 51 49 50 travel sub-category. 56 48 46 47 42 40 33 32 26 23 20 20 19 16 17 20 13
0
Source: Indexed bookings, compared to average in December 2019. Same set of Car Rentals players with stable sales tracking during the period. Worldwide
Average Booking Values YoY, Car Rentals
110 105 102 Demand has stayed 100 100 100 98 steady, as many look to 96 drive instead of fly 90
Month-over-month and year-over-year, 80 average bookings for car rentals have remained consistent worldwide. 70
Shortages in availability have been felt by 60 many travelers as they search for transportation methods outside of air for their 50 getaways. January February March 2020 2021
Source: Indexed worldwide booking values, Compared to average in January 2020. Same set of travel clients with stable sales tracking during the period. Travel Sentiment and Outlook Worldwide
Share of respondents who strongly or somewhat agree with “I feel personally concerned about contracting COVID-19 while traveling”
Spain 72%
Italy 68%
Travelers are still worried Japan 67% about COVID-19... South Korea 66% 6 out of 10 US 62% UK 61% US and global travelers* say that they feel personally concerned about contracting Australia 58% COVID-19 while traveling. France 50%
Germany 50%
Global 62%
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021 base: All respondents Global n=11,161
*Base: US travelers are defined as respondents who plan to travel at least once in the next 12 months. Worldwide
Share of respondents who plan to travel in the next 6 months.
Germany 75%
...but it's not stopping Spain 75% them from planning Australia 70% personal trips United States 69%
Italy 69% Two-thirds of US and global respondents plan to travel for personal United Kingdom 68% purposes in the next 12 months. France 67%
South Korea 66%
Japan 57%
Global 69%
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021 base: All respondents Global n=11,161
*Base: Combined personal and business trips in the next 6 months Worldwide
When are you planning your next trip? (Global data) (Applies for all travel, both short- and long-distance).
Travelers are most eager to Personal (visiting 21% 20% 19% 19% 20% visit family and friends family/friends) ASAP
In the next month respondents are more likely Personal (leisure/holiday) 12% 17% 25% 26% 20% to travel to visit their family/friends than for leisure/holiday purposes.
60% plan to visit family/friends within 6 months. Business 14% 14% 15% 22% 35%
54% plan to travel for leisure/holiday reasons in the next 6 months. Within the next month In 2-3 months In 4-6 months In more than 7 months I don't know yet
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base: Respondents who Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, Worldwide, base: Respondents who plan to travel plan to travel Personal (visiting family/friends) n=10415 Personal (visiting family/friends) n=1304 Personal (leisure/holiday) n= 10508 Personal (leisure/holiday) n= 1268 Business n=5776 Business n=660 Worldwide
When are you planning your next trip? (Share of respondents “within the next month”)
(Applies for all travel, both short- and long-distance).
Country Personal visiting family/friends – Within the next month N=*
Travelers are most eager to US 21% 1304 visit family and friends France 14% 1125
ASAP Germany 26% 1156
In the next month US respondents are Italy 16% 1150 more likely to travel to visit their family/friends Spain 26% 1147 than for leisure/holiday purposes. UK 16% 1199
60% plan to visit family/friends within Australia 26% 1149 6 months. Japan 21% 1064 54% plan to travel for leisure/holiday South Korea 25% 1121 reasons in the next 6 months. Global 21% 10,415
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, Worldwide, base: Respondents who plan to travel Worldwide
For how long do you plan to travel? (Global data)
Personal (visiting Family/friend visits will be 32% 27% 22% 20% family/friends) shorter stays
59% plan to stay 0-4 nights with family/friends Personal (leisure/holiday) 17% 24% 32% 27% (US: 59%).
More than half are booking longer stays for leisure/holiday trips. Business 37% 30% 20% 13%
0-2 nights 3-4 nights 5-7 nights 8 nights or more
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, Worldwide, base: Excludes respondents who Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base: Excludes don’t know yet respondents who don’t know yet Personal (visiting family/friends): n=8549 Personal (visiting family/friends): n=1064 Personal (leisure/holiday): n=8888 Personal (leisure/holiday): n=1042 Business: n= 4256 Business: n= 520 Worldwide
For how long do you plan to travel? (short stays)
Country Short stays (0-4 nights) – Personal (visiting family/friends) N=
Family/friend visits will be US 59% 1304 shorter stays France 40% 1125
Germany 60% 1156
59% plan to stay 0-4 nights with family/friends Italy 58% 1150
(US: 59%). Spain 52% 1147
More than half are booking longer stays for UK 64% 1199 leisure/holiday trips. Australia 46% 1149
Japan 86% 1064
South Korea 66% 1121
Global 59% 10,415
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, Worldwide, base: Excludes respondents who don’t know yet US
Which transportation services do you plan to use for your next trip?
49% Personal vehicle Two-thirds of US respondents 44% say that they are likely to 43% Plane favor car travel over planes 47%
22% 60% of Boomers and Silent generation in the Car rental 17% US plan to use their personal vehicle to limit their exposure to others. 11% Car share 9% Conversely, 66% of Gen Z and Millennials and nearly half of US travelers are more likely to fly 11% Train for their next trip. 24%
US Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base: All respondents, n=1362/ Worldwide n= 11161 EMEA
Nearly half of travelers are likely to fly for their next trip
Which transportation services do you plan to use for your next trip?
52% 52% 50% 46% 46% 47% 44% 45% 44% 44%
39% 39%
29% 29%
24% 24% 23% 24%
17% 17% 16% 15% 11% 12% 11% 9% 8% 9% 5% 5%
Plane Personal vehicle Train Car rental Car share
France Germany Italy Spain UK Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: All respondents, France n=1232/Germany n=1222/ Italy n=1214/ Spain n=1205/ UK n=1258 / Worldwide n= 11161 APAC
Nearly half of travelers are likely to fly for their next trip
Which transportation services do you plan to use for your next trip?
54%
48% 47% 48% 44% 42% 44% 43% 38%
24% 22% 24% 20% 20% 16% 17% 16%
8% 9% 6%
Plane Personal vehicle Train Car rental Car share
Australia Japan South Korea Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: All respondents, Australia n=1230/ Japan n=1200/ South Korea n=1238/ Worldwide n= 11161 US
Which accommodation services do you plan to use for your next trip?
56% Hotel 61%
More stays will be in hotels 42% Personal accommodation 34% Deep discounts, flexible cancellation policies, 18% and more rigorous sanitation practices are Housing rental attracting more US and global travelers, with 25%
56% and 61% declaring that they would stay 14% Camping at a hotel during their next trip. 13%
11% Cruises 8%
US Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base: All respondents, n=1362/ Worldwide n= 11161 EMEA
More stays will be in hotels
Which accommodation services do you plan to use for your next trip?
63% 61% 61% 61%
55%
45% 40% 38% 37% 36% 35% 36% 34% 35% 31%
25% 24% 25% 20%
14% 13% 10% 11% 8% 9% 8% 8% 5% 6% 6%
Hotel Personal accommodation Housing rental Camping Cruises
France Germany Italy Spain UK Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: All respondents, France n=1232/Germany n=1222/ Italy n=1214/ Spain n=1205/ UK n=1258 / Worldwide n= 11161 APAC
More stays will be in hotels
Which accommodation services do you plan to use for your next trip?
86%
63% 61% 58%
44% 34% 28% 27% 25% 20% 14% 14% 11% 11% 13% 13% 10% 8% 8% 5%
Hotel Personal accommodation Housing rental Camping Cruises
Australia Japan South Korea Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: All respondents, Australia n=1230/ Japan n=1200/ South Korea n=1238/ Worldwide n= 11161 US
What activities are you seeking during your next trip? Reconnecting tops relaxation as the next 68% Visiting family/friends trip's main activity 58%
Relaxation (spa, reading, 40% Increased vaccination rates and eased COVID- yoga/meditation, etc.) 49% 19 restrictions have travelers excited about finally reuniting with family and friends during Cultural activities (events, concerts, 34% their next trip. This is especially true for older guided tours, theme park visits, etc.) 42% generations in the US, with 74% selecting it as their next trip's primary activity. 22% Outdoor sports (skiing, biking, etc.) After being mostly stuck at home for about a 24% year, US Gen Z and Millennials will be relaxing 12% (45%), planning cultural activities (40%) or Remote working enjoying outdoor sports (30%), as well as visiting 9% their family/friends (62%) during their next trip. US Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base: All respondents, n=1362/ Worldwide n= 11161 EMEA
Reconnecting tops relaxation as the next trip's main activity
What activities are you seeking during your next trip?
64% 65% 62% 58% 58% 57% 55% 55%
48% 49% 48% 45% 43% 44% 42% 42% 40% 38% 33%
27% 28% 24%
17% 17%
11% 9% 7% 6% 6% 6%
Visiting family/friends Relaxation Cultural activities Outdoor sports Remote working
France Germany Italy Spain UK Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: All respondents, France n=1232/Germany n=1222/ Italy n=1214/ Spain n=1205/ UK n=1258 / Worldwide n= 11161 APAC
Reconnecting tops relaxation as the next trip's main activity
What activities are you seeking during your next trip?
70% 62% 58% 53% 51% 49% 42% 41% 40% 41% 41% 39% 32%
22% 22% 24% 14% 8% 7% 9%
Visiting family/friends Relaxation Cultural activities Outdoor sports Remote working
Australia Japan South Korea Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: All respondents, Australia n=1230/ Japan n=1200/ South Korea n=1238/ Worldwide n= 11161 Worldwide
Indexed Bookings by Season of Travel, by Category, YoY
110 105 103 100
90
Full recovery begins this Fall 79 79 80 71 Looking at bookings made between 70 67 63 February 1st and March 15th, 2021, vacation 60 rentals appear to be the first travel 52 48 category to fully recover, with 5% more rental 50 45 42 43 reservations made for the fall season than 40 35 36 what was recorded during the same period 33 28 29 in 2020. 30 19 20 17 14
10 Spring Summer Fall Winter
Air Car Rental Cruises Hotel Rentals
Source: Index worldwide bookings by season of check-in, for bookings made between February 1st and March 15th, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. Same set of Travel Clients with stable sales tracking during the entire period. Worldwide
Indexed Travel Duration by Quarter of Travel, YoY
110 105
100
89 90 90 Travel duration will increase 85 80 Compared to the average duration of travel 70 booked between February 1st and March 15th,
2020 (i.e. before first lockdowns in western 60 countries), bookings made during the same period one year later show that average travel duration 50 will increase progressively and outperform pre- 40 COVID travel durations by Q4 2021. 30
20
10 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
Source: Index Average Travel Duration by season of check-in, for bookings made between February 1st and March 15th, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. Same set of Travel Clients with stable sales tracking during the entire period. Worldwide
What are the destinations that you are likely to make an online booking for (e.g., flight, hotel / lodging, etc.)? Travel will be mostly Domestic International Country domestic trips for the Travels Travels * next 12 months US 84% 34% France 64% 58%
Travel restrictions and sanitation concerns are Germany 58% 67% keeping travelers within their borders. Italy 80% 50% This is especially true for older generations (92% Boomers & Silent/87% Gen X vs. 84% overall). Spain 83% 49%
Gen Z & Millennials are a bit more adventurous, with UK 67% 58% 1 in 4 planning to travel internationally in countries Australia 86% 35% allowing US citizens to visit, like Mexico. Japan 89% 29% Only 35% plan to travel internationally in the next 12 months, even if given a vaccine and COVID- South Korea 65% 54% 19 Passport, while 69% say they will favor domestic travels due to Covid-19. Global 75% 48%
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base domestic travels: All respondents
*International travels: respondents who plan to travel internationally at least once in the next 12 months. US n=1362/ Worldwide n= 11161/ France n=1232/Germany n=1222/ Italy n=1214 / Spain n=1205/ UK n=1258/ Australia n=1230/ Japan n=1200/ South Korea n=1238 Worldwide
Indexed Air Bookings by Country of Departure & Destination
Greece +65% Italy +40% Those who are traveling France Spain +31% Domestic 23% abroad are seeking United States +10% fun in the sun Croatia +76% Greece +59% Germany Italy +38% Spain +32% Globally, there are 5 destinations with the highest Croatia +66% France +26% increase in March 2021, showcasing a strong Puerto Rico +64% desire to have fun in the sun again. Worldwide Greece +55% Virgin Islands +49% For travels departing from the US, the top Bahamas +45% Greece +35% United Thailand +25% trending international destinations are Puerto United States +17% Rico, the Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands. Kingdom Domestic +13% India +6% For travels departing from Germany, the top trending international destinations are Greece and Croatia. Other European countries see the Puerto Rico +71% United Panama +67% same destinations trending. Bahamas +63% States Domestic +53% Virgin Islands +50%
Indexed worldwide air bookings by destination, March 2021, compared to average in December 2020. Global. Top trending destinations are the destinations with the highest increase in March 2021, not the destinations with the most travels. Worldwide
Reasons not to travel are mostly pandemic-related
What are the reasons why you won’t be traveling in the next 12 months?
South US UK France Germany Italy Spain Japan Australia Global Korea
I don’t want to contract COVID-19 while traveling 29% 30% 25% 35% 30% 25% 40% 51% 29% 36%
I am waiting for the situation to get better 23% 33% 32% 32% 34% 32% 28% 23% 24% 28%
I have been financially impacted 24% 16% 16% 21% 11% 26% 15% 9% 24% 17%
I can’t take any vacations 19% 11% 15% 8% 24% 21% 21% 10% 18% 16%
I am waiting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before starting to travel again 10% 12% 11% 23% 18% 10% 5% 8% 15% 10%
My country expects me to take a COVID-19 test before leaving / coming back 5% 8% 6% 8% 5% 8% 5% 11% 5% 7%
Because of quarantine/self-isolation 9% 9% 11% 7% 12% 5% 6% 10% 7%
I can’t travel in the countries I would like to (borders closed) 5% 4% 2% 7% 1% 8% 4% 6% 8% 5%
N= 293 171 208 215 91 104 609 430 134 2,255
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: Respondents who don’t plan to travel at all in the next 12 months Worldwide
2021 travelers care about refundable tickets
Share of travelers who are more likely to book travels if bookings are fully refundable
Country US France Germany Italy Spain UK Australia Japan South Korea Global
Share of 65% 66% 53% 64% 74% 67% 73% 51% 59% 64% respondents
N= 1362 1232 1222 1214 1205 1258 1230 1200 1238 11,161
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021
Base : Respondents who strongly and somewhat agree with "I am more likely to buy air / train / cruises tickets if they are fully refundable " Worldwide
Social distance and sanitation remain a must
How has COVID-19 changed the importance in the following areas when traveling? (more important)
Country US France Germany Italy Spain UK Australia Japan South Korea Global
Ability to social 77% 75% 67% 89% 87% 76% 78% 83% 79% 79% distancing
Availability of 71% 70% 72% 86% 84% 72% 75% 77% 76% 76% healthcare
Sanitation 79% 77% 79% 89% 89% 78% 81% 82% 78% 81%
N= 1362 1232 1222 1214 1205 1258 1230 1200 1238 11,161
3 out of 4 US travelers declared giving more importance to social distance, healthcare, and sanitation when traveling.
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, base: All respondents, US
Do you travel with a pet(s)?
US WW Traveling with a pet I don't have a pet or don't intend to 43% 51% remains a challenge travel with him/her
14% of travelers have troubles I travel with my pet, and this is not a concern to me 20% 17%
I have a pet, but traveling by car with him/her is not flying with their pets (US: 13%), 14% 11% possible or is a challenge suggesting a significant I have a pet, but flying with him/her is not possible or is a opportunity for airlines - especially 13% 14% challenge when airplanes are not flying at full I have a pet, but finding accommodations suitable for 12% 12% capacity. him/her is not possible or is a challenge
I have a pet, but traveling by train with him/her is not 8% 9% possible or is a challenge
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base: All respondents, n=1362/ Worldwide n= 11161 Mobile and App Usage Worldwide
Bookings by Device
2020
36% 47% 53% 46% 48% 46% The post-COVID world 57% is mobile-first 64% 53% 54% 52% 54% 47% 43% Even with more people working from home due to COVID-19 restrictions, eager travelers Worldwide United Japan South East France Germany United increased the share of mobile web bookings, States Asia Kingdom and mobile has overtaken desktop with now 51% of transactions. 40% 51% 49% 49% 64% 56% 74%
60% 49% 51% 51% 36% 44% 26%
Desktop 2021 Mobile Source: Share of bookings by device in travel, App Excluded, Q1 2021 vs Q1 2020. SEA includes Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia Worldwide
Bookings by Site Type, Q1 2021 vs 2020
2020
7% 15% 19% 13%
App usage keeps 32% 46% 17% 51% 33% 61% increasing globally 34% 69%
Travel players with a booking app have seen app usage grow in all regions, particulary in Worldwide Americas EMEA APAC APAC, where app has also stolen share from mobile web. 10% 18% 12% 21% 35% 13% Despite less mobility globally in 2020, desktop 41% 54% has decreased 10pts YoY. 35% 41% 77% 44%
2021
App Desktop Mobile
Share of bookings by site type for Travel Players with a booking App, Q1 2021 vs Q1 2020. US
“I will give consent to travel apps to collect my Half of travel app users will information to get personalized content” share information to get personalized content US 47% 24% 29% When it comes to giving consent to travel apps to collect their information in order to get personalized content, younger generations in the US are more likely to do so. (65% of US Gen Z and Millennials, 52% of Gen
X vs 28% of Boomers & Silent). Global 52% 25% 23%
Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, base: All respondents, n=1362
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, Worldwide, base: All respondents, n=11161 US
How are you most likely to book flights for personal travel during the next 12 months?
54% When booking a flight, airline On the website of the airline 44% websites and online travel agency (OTA) websites are On the website of online 41% travel agencies used almost equally 47%
On the app of online 28% Worldwide, slightly more will book on an OTA travel agencies 35% website vs. directly on an airline website. On the app of 27% A larger majority of US travelers (54%) plan to the airline book flights on an airline website directly. 25%
US Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, n=584 / Worldwide n=5274
Base: Respondents who plan to book a flight for their next trip US
How are you most likely to book your hotel / lodging for personal travel during the next 12 months?
63% On the website of the hotel / lodging Hotel websites and online 50%
41% travel agencies (OTAs) are On the website of online travel agencies also used nearly equally for 52% 27% On the app of the hotel / lodging booking lodging 27% 27% On the app of online travel agencies Again, US travelers favored booking directly on 33% the hotel/lodging website more than using an online travel agency website: 3 in 5 US travelers Physical visit to the hotel / lodging sales 16% office / Phone call plan to book their next hotel directly on the 14% hotel/lodging website. 8% Physical visit to travel agencies / Phone call 12%
US Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, n=769/ Worldwide: 6730
Base: Respondents who plan to book a hotel for their next trip US
How are you likely to book a car rental for personal travel during the next 12 months?
63% On the website of a car rental company 6 out of 10 travelers 61% worldwide will rent a car On the website of online car rental 32% directly on the car rental's agencies 37% 25% On the app of a car rental company website 33% 22% Older generations mostly plan to book a car On the app of online car rental agencies 27% rental directly on the website of a car rental 19% company. Younger generations would Physical visit to the car rental company sales office / Phone call 21% equally book through a website of a car rental company or an online car rental Physical visit to car rental agencies / Phone 15% call agency. 16%
US Worldwide
Source: Travel survey, Q1 2021, US, n=299 / Worldwide n=1939
Base: Respondents who plan to book a car rental for their next trip Recommendations 2021: Preparing for Take-Off
Navigating the runway to recovery
Our data and survey findings show that recovery is on the horizon and with it comes a reshaping of the travel industry.
Traveler behaviors have changed in terms of how and why they book a trip, and what they require to feel safe and confident.
Learn how travel providers can deliver an experience that will meet these new expectations and increase bookings, including:
• 4 things that can make or break a reservation
• Tips for ad campaigns that will drive conversions now and fill your pipeline for the fall/winter recovery 4 Ways to Increase Bookings
Takeaways from our traveler survey
Provide fully refundable bookings, to address travelers' fear of uncertainty regarding domestic and international travels.
Continue to maintain social distancing standards and communicate sanitation procedures to put travelers at ease.
Optimize your mobile web site and app user experience, now that mobile has a larger share of transactions.
Amplify your pet-friendly messaging, to encourage those who have trouble traveling with their pets to consider booking with you. Drive Bookings During the Summer “Travel Boom” Lean into lifestyle interests, domestic travel, key markets
Use a geo-focused strategy for your ad campaigns to connect travelers with local destinations for the next 6-12 months.
Prioritize domestic flights, car rental, hotel, and vacation rental offerings.
Test ad copy that speaks to the primary goal of visiting family and friends/reunion travel.
Get the opt-in! Deliver a great ad experience, and then clearly explain what users will get by sharing their information with you, so that you can get more opt-ins and build your first-party data pool. Inspire Potential Travelers Hungry for a New Adventure Increase awareness and reach new customers with relevant cross-channel strategies
Start building anticipation and relationships now, in advance of what is shaping up to be a summer into fall travel renaissance.
Use engaging display ad formats, like interactive ads, or video story ads to showcase your offerings and include important messaging:
• Refundable tickets, free cancellations
• Social distancing and sanitation measures
• Socially distant/travel bubble trips
• Pet-friendly accommodations
Launch Connected TV and video campaigns to reach relevant audiences while they're streaming their favorite content.
Target relevant audiences like these and more using your own data and our massive commerce data set:
• Family vacationers
• Millennial travelers
• Workationers
• Beach Goers
• Eco-conscious trip seekers Appendix APAC
Travel Bookings by Country, YoY Indexed bookings compared to December 2019*
90 82 80 70 72 70 61 61 60 54 57 49 51 50 46 38 38 38 38 40 32 25 30 21 23 17 20 14 12 13 12 11 10 7 10 0 SOUTH EAST ASIA FRANCE SPAIN BRAZIL NETHERLANDS TURKEY SOUTH AMERICA INDIA JAPAN RUSSIAN FEDERATION NORDICS AUSTRALIA UNITED STATES 90 80 70 60 50 40 33 34 35 36 28 29 29 24 27 27 25 30 23 24 21 17 16 20 12 13 13 13 15 11 11 9 11 10 5 0 HONG KONG POLAND GERMANY TAIWAN UNITED KINGDOM ITALY NEW ZEALAND BELGIUM EASTERN EUROPE CANADA PORTUGAL MEA SOUTH KOREA
*Source: Indexed bookings by source country, domestic and international travels combined, all travel categories combined, worldwide, during 4 weeks in 2021 and 2020 (March 15th - April 11th 2021 and March 16th- April 12th 2020). Compared to average in December 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline). Same set of 815 travel players with stable sales tracking during the period. Methodology
This report combines organic data from travel players, and survey data. Organic data: 815 Travel Players who partner with Criteo in over 20 countries, accounting for 1.6B annual bookings (220 million bookings in the US).
Survey data from 9 countries and 11,161 respondents:
Countries Respondents Australia 1,230 France 1,232 Germany 1,222 Italy 1,214 Japan 1,200 South Korea 1,238 Spain 1,205 United Kingdom 1,258 United States 1,362 For more marketing insights, contact Criteo.
About Criteo
Criteo (NASDAQ: CRTO) is the global technology company powering the world’s marketers with trusted and impactful advertising. 2,700 Criteo team members partner with over 20,000 customers and thousands of publishers around the globe to deliver effective advertising across all channels, by applying advanced machine learning to unparalleled data sets.
Criteo empowers companies of all sizes with the technology they need to better know and serve their customers. For more information, please visit www.criteo.com.