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The way we plan and book our travels has transformed significantly in the past decade, thanks to the progress in technology. The rise of the internet and the widespread use of mobile applications have revolutionized the global online travel industry. We've come a long way from the days of the global distribution system (GDS), and now, the travel booking process has become easier and faster, thanks to the increasing access to the internet. Online travel agencies have played a pivotal role in this transformation.
These agencies offer a comprehensive service model, providing various travel-related services through a single platform. This shift has seen a move from traditional methods of booking through physical offices or websites to the current trend of using mobile platforms for travel bookings. The convenience of having all modes of transport and accommodation options integrated into one platform has encouraged more users to opt for online bookings. This transition from manual ticketing and website-based bookings to the use of smartphones has been supported by both private and government initiatives to promote digitalization. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in both domestic tourist visits (DTVs) and foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs).
From a customer's perspective, the availability of multiple travel packages, easy bookings, and seamless online transactions have made the travel experience more convenient and efficient. Service providers and tour operators have also embraced digitalization and automation to enhance productivity and offer customers a unique travel experience. Social media platforms have become integral in the realm of travel bookings. In this age of technological advancement, social media plays a crucial role in connecting people and facilitating global social interaction. It has emerged as a significant influencer and an effective marketing platform for online tour agencies.
Travelers now use social media to share their travel experiences and provide reviews, helping others make informed decisions when choosing travel agencies. This trend is expected to grow with the introduction of more social media platforms. A considerable number of travelers rely on online reviews and comments from fellow users before booking hotels or making reservations at restaurants. In response, hotels and restaurants actively work to improve their services based on this feedback. Many hotels now have dedicated social media teams to promote their brand through various platforms.
These teams carefully analyze bookings and reviews to identify trends that can attract new customers while retaining the loyalty of existing ones. In essence, social media platforms have become essential tools for online travel agencies to market their services. They bring transparency to the process by allowing users to share their experiences, helping others make informed choices. This interconnectedness facilitated by technology continues to reshape the travel industry, making it more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of modern travelers.
Covered Aspects:
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Opportunities | Technological advancements and the emergence of new travel destinations present enormous investment opportunities |
| Market Dynamics | Growing inclination toward adventure travel across the globe Increasing governments initiatives to promote tourism |
Online Travel Market Highlights:
Online Travel Market Overview
The Online Travel Market is projected to grow from USD 658.38 billion in 2024 to USD 955.41 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Additionally, the market size for online travel was valued at USD 599.27 billion in 2023.
Shifts in consumer behavior, social media, rising disposable income, increased government initiatives to spread tourism, and a growing inclination toward adventure travel ly are key factors driving the growth of the online travel market revenue.
Figure 1: Online Travel Market Size, 2024-2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Online Travel Market Trends
Higher mobilization rate amongst people to drive market growth
The growing consumer awareness in developing countries is expected to fuel growth in the online travel market. Growth is steady in countries with an existing consumer database; however, more growth is expected in regions with many untapped consumers. With the market penetration of IT and the internet, market revenue is expected to reach new heights. Another factor is the increase in the number of international students who opt to study in international colleges to gain more exposure. For instance, more than 1.1 million students from India were studying in 85 other nations as of January 2021. According to official statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the United Kingdom was home to over 605,130 students from backgrounds outside the country. In 2021, it was estimated that more than 30% of international students were of Chinese descent.
Online travel agencies (OTAs) provide market insights and tools for attracting tourists, securing, and processing reservations, communicating with guests, and managing reviews. In addition, the internet offers virtual representations such as 3D interactive tours to give a clear impression of the travel destinations, allowing an indirect experience beyond traditional travel agencies' capabilities. As a result, the conventional booking method through travel agents has transformed into a quick, last-minute booking strategy made possible by information & communication technologies (ICTs). This results in a positive outlook for the market revenue and the growing appeal of solo travel. The rapid development of communication and transportation and the rising number of business travelers worldwide are expected to aid the market's expansion in the upcoming years.
Online Travel Market Segment Insights
Online Travel Platform Type Insights
The online travel market segmentation, based on platform type, includes mobile/tablets based and desktop based. The mobile/tablets-based segment held the majority share in 2021, contributing to around ~52-55% of the online travel market revenue. This can be credited to increased mobile and internet usage and penetration worldwide. The busy schedules of young, working consumers and the availability of reputable online travel agencies are also contributing to the market's expansion. The segment's growth is further attributed to marketplace platforms' easy and quick travel, hotel bookings, and extensive service offerings via mobile applications. Additionally, quick, mobile-friendly, and easy-to-use smartphone applications are being released by travel booking agencies, accelerating the segment's market growth over the forecast period.
Online Travel Mode of Booking Insights
The online travel market segmentation, based on the booking mode, includes online travel agencies and direct travel facilitators. Online travel agencies dominated the market in 2021 and are expected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period, 2022-2030, driven by an increase in people booking travel packages, hotel bookings, and other services through online travel agencies due to the tailored experience and convenience. Additionally, major initiatives by market players, like online advertising campaigns and social media ads, are anticipated to entice potential customers to initiate their booking process through the online booking mode, which is predicted to accelerate industry growth. In addition, ization has driven the market in recent years, increasing the middle class in developing economies and rising disposable income.
Online Travel Service Type Insights
The online travel market segmentation, based on the service type, includes transportation, accommodation, and vacation packages. Transportation accounted for the largest market share in 2021, largely due to trends in rising consumer spending, urbanization, broadband accessibility rates in emerging market economies, and a growing propensity for travel among the world's emerging affluent class. The market's growth is driven by an increase in online booking for buses, trains, and flights. Additionally, the preference for travel for different reasons, such as business and adventure, across Asian nations like China and India has increased the demand for online travel booking in these regions, supporting industry growth over the forecast period.
Figure 2: Online Travel Market, by Service Type, 2021 & 2030 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Online Travel Regional Insights
By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific online travel market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the study period, accounting for USD 451.93 billion in 2021. Increased spending power and higher living standards are major factors attracting people to the travel & tourism sector, fueling regional online travel market growth. Furthermore, regional economic growth, the convenience of travel restrictions, growing competition, and aggressive promotion techniques used by the sector's involved players have significantly encouraged and accelerated the group travel business, which is expected to accelerate the online travel industry growth over the assessment period.
Moreover, the major countries studied in the market report include the United States, Germany, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, and Brazil.
Figure 3: ONLINE TRAVEL MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The European online travel market is the second largest in the world due to increasing income levels across the region, an enhanced business environment in European nations, and government initiatives to encourage tourism and travel activities. Besides, there is a high demand for travel tourism because Europeans enjoy exploring new areas. Moreover, this region's growing number of independent/solo travelers and the expanding number of online travel agencies are expected to fuel growth during the forecast timeline. Further, the Italy online travel market held the largest market share, and the German online travel market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The North American Online Travel Market is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030, with the United States leading the regional market share. The dominance of this region can be attributed to its strict licensing laws, higher travel and tourism expenditures, extensive use of digital media, and higher consumer spending power. The increase is expected to be fueled by an increasing number of international students who prefer to continue their education in the United States. Canada is becoming a popular destination for international settlers looking to relocate to another country. The Canadian government has made significant investments to encourage more migrants to settle there, which serves as a revenue-generating factor for expanding the regional market.
Online Travel Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
The major players in the online travel market have implemented various developmental strategies to grow their market share, boost profitability, and maintain market dominance. Online travel industry players are releasing new and improved mobile applications that entice young travelers with amazing travel deals and hassle-free booking. Most young travelers also prefer booking their travel online via a mobile device due to its usability, comfort, and accessibility. Market players are increasingly providing travelers with a wide selection of hotels at affordable prices. Customers compare accommodation options across various websites to find the best deal.
Key industry players rely on strategies like introducing new services and company expansion to grow their market shares and stay in the spotlight in the online travel booking sector. Furthermore, leading online travel booking companies focuses on aggressive promotional activities such as advertising online & television (TV), billboards & sponsorships, social media, and other promotional strategies.
Thomas Cook Group PLC (UK) is an online travel agency that provides package holidays, hotel-only stays, city breaks, and other services to destinations worldwide. In October 2020, Thomas Cook and Accor, a leader in augmented hospitality, entered into a partnership. The companies would launch Holiday Safe together as part of this collaboration. The launch would focus on reassuring customers with comprehensive health and safety protocols incorporated through Thomas Cook India, SOTC's Assured Safe Travel Program, Apollo Clinics, and Accor's Cleanliness and Prevention ALLSAFE label established with and vetted by Bureau Veritas.
Also, Expedia Group Inc (US) operates as an online travel agency. It offers a wide range of services, such as reserving hotel rooms, airline seats, rental cars, and other destination services via its travel partners. These services are provided under several brands, such as Expedia.com, Vrbo, Hotels.com, Hotwire, Orbitz, CheapTickets, ebookers, CarRentals.com, Travelocity, Expedia Partner Solutions, and Wotif Group. Expedia Group provides customer service through call centers, private label companies, alternative distribution channels, and mobile bookings. The company also operates in the advertising and media industries and the travel management sector. Expedia and Qtech Software announced a partnership in April 2022 to provide high-quality hospitality and technology content to business travelers.
Key Companies in the online travel market include
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Expedia Inc (US)
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Booking Holdings Inc (US)
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TripAdvisor Inc (US)
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FlixMobility GmbH (Germany)
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Ryanair DAC (Ireland)
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MakeMyTrip (India) Pvt Ltd (India)
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Alibaba Group Holding Limited (China)
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Airbnb Inc (US)
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eDreams ODIGEO SA (Luxembourg)
Online Travel Industry Developments
October 2022: MakeMyTrip (MMT) launched a new and unique payment model called 'Book Without Payment,' which allows international and domestic travelers to book accommodation in India or abroad without making any upfront payments.
November 2022: EaseMyTrip.com, one of India's leading travel technology portals, has released a corporate self-booking tool. Business travelers and corporations can make bookings for their trips with the help of this tool, as it simplifies the booking process. This tool uses AI technologies such as machine learning and data mining to make it more efficient and resourceful.
Online Travel Market Segmentation
Online Travel Platform Type Outlook
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Mobile/Tablets Based
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Desktop Based
Online Travel Mode of Booking Outlook
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Online Travel Agencies
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Direct Travel Facilitators
Online Travel Service Type Outlook
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Transportation
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Accommodation
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Vacation Packages
Online Travel Regional Outlook
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North America
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US
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Canada
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Europe
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Germany
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France
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UK
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Italy
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Spain
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Rest of Europe
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Asia-Pacific
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China
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Japan
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India
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Australia
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South Korea
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Australia
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Rest of Asia-Pacific
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Rest of the World
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Middle East
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Africa
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Latin America
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