Survey: Travel agent or travel apps? See what tourists prefer globally
Global travel deals publisher Travelzoo has conducted a survey of 6,000 of its Asian, European and North American members to determine how consumers in different markets research and book holidays. While travel apps have been adopted by a vast majority of Chinese respondents – with over 85% of Chinese Travelzoo® members saying the use of travel apps as the easiest way to book a holiday, and over 70% saying they plan to book flights, cruises, package holidays and hotels via apps – among European respondents there is resistance to book travel on mobile.
Richard Singer, Travelzoo's European President, said, "What the research shows is the significant difference of opinion across various nations regarding the most trustworthy and reliable ways of both researching and booking travel. It's important for travel brands to recognise that these cultural nuances are the difference between success and failure in today's competitive travel environment. Having a top-notch app in China is critical, while in markets like Germany and Canada the role of the travel agent remains significant. As a business, Travelzoo is constantly adapting the way our deals are presented to our members across the globe – we have to stay on top of cultural trends and shifts in order to appeal to the many markets we now operate in."
Travelzoo's survey also explores which sources its members trust the most at the start of their search for a holiday when they are finding inspiration on what and where to book. Respondents from all markets place more trust in travel-deal websites (69%) than any other source, including guidebooks, travel agents, review sites and feedback from friends and family.
Canadians and Germans value travel agents more than any other nation polled, with 40% of Germans and 37% of Canadians using agent websites for inspiration. 10% of Germans and Canadians also say their final decision on what to book would be most influenced by travel agent or operator websites – for the UK and Spain this number drops to 2%.
Final decision on booking
A shift occurs in most markets when it comes to the final decision on booking. Review sites and advice from family and friends surpass travel-deal websites for all markets apart from France and Spain, where deal websites retain their position as the most influential. Respondents in Canada, China, the UK and the US say review sites have the most influence on their final decision. In Germany, the final decision is most strongly based on advice from friends and family, with travel-deal websites the second-most influential. German members are the least influenced by review sites, with just 11% saying they would base their final decision to book decision on what they see on such websites.
China's enthusiastic adoption of travel apps is confirmed by Vivian Hong, Travelzoo's President of Asia Pacific, who said, "The Chinese population has a very close relationship with digital technology, and we are always keen to be the first adopters. For example, platforms such as WeChat are becoming more influential than emails. According to the China Internet Network Information Center, there are over 245 million email users in China, and the email usage rate dropped by 36.7% last year. By contrast, WeChat has a total of 697 million active users in China. The market here is much more trusting of technology."
While the other nations polled are a long way behind China in their willingness to book holidays via apps, there is growing interest in booking some forms of travel via mobile websites on smartphones. Spanish and American respondents are second to China in their openness to mobile bookings, with 62% of Spanish and 54% of US respondents saying they would book or have booked accommodation this way. However, the numbers booking via mobile are significantly lower in Canada (37%), the UK (35%), Germany (31%) and France (29%).
Difficulty viewing the holiday information via smartphone is the top concern for respondents from Canada (79%), the US and France (both 77%), the UK (69%) and Germany and Spain (both 64%). Again, the response from Chinese members is vastly different: the top concern in China is payment security (36%), and problems viewing websites or apps via smartphone are an issue for just 9% of Chinese respondents.
With so much competition in the market, travel companies are always trying to find ways to keep their existing customers loyal and encourage new customers to book with them. 85% of members from France, 60% from Spain and 69% from China book with a specific company because they have the best price or the best deals. In comparison, having a positive reputation and brand perception is the biggest driver for respondents from Canada (69%), the US (67%), the UK (60%) and Germany (57%).
About the research
This research was conducted using an online questionnaire, which was completed by 6,091 Travelzoo members across Canada, China, France, Germany, Spain, the UK and the US in September 2016.
About Travelzoo
Travelzoo is a global media commerce company. With more than 28 million members in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America, and 25 offices worldwide, Travelzoo® publishes offers from more than 2,000 travel, entertainment and local companies. Travelzoo's deal experts review offers to find the best deals and confirm their true value.
Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words “expect”, “predict”, “project”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. Travelzoo and Top 20 are registered trademarks of Travelzoo. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
- 1) Kyvernitis Travel Group chooses Sabre to streamline payment processes and automating routine tasks
- 2) Athens Swimming Cruise & Athenian Riviera One-Day Cruise in Saronic Gulf
- 3) KeyTours takes a step forward in sustainability
- 4) Athens Half-Marathon to affect traffic in and around downtown Athens on Sunday
25/04 22:00
Greek FM talks with Kuwaiti counterpart on bilateral relations, regional cooperation
25/04 14:49
Prices of products in Easter Basket the same or lower in Greece than in 2023
25/04 13:57
25/04 12:44
Greece and China to ink cooperation protocols in the fisheries sector
25/04 09:53
Extended shop opening hours for Easter in Greece start on Thursday
25/04 02:19
Athens Airport voted as the best in marketing strategy at European awards in Denmark
25/04 02:10
President of Hellenic Republic visits La Chascona Museum in visit to Chile
24/04 21:31
Thirty-one Greek political parties to take part in European Parliament elections
24/04 21:25
Payment by bank cards now accepted on Athens Airport Express bus lines
24/04 14:12
Herculaneum papyri unveil more than location of Plato's tomb in Athens
23/04 23:52
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
23/04 21:49
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
23/04 20:59
President of Hellenic Republic wraps up visit to Uruguay at parliament
23/04 15:44
Greek government will pass legislation halving commission paid for POS transactions
23/04 15:03
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
22/04 22:33
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
22/04 21:25
22/04 20:37
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
22/04 18:29
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
22/04 13:40
19/04 01:29
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
18/04 21:49
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
18/04 20:32
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
18/04 20:17
18/04 17:40
17/04 21:06
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
17/04 20:57
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
17/04 20:52
17/04 18:15
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
17/04 17:12
16/04 21:02
NHM hosts the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17
16/04 20:17
Greece will invest $830 million to protect marine biodiversity
16/04 01:46
New York Greek Independence Parade honors 1821 and solemn Cyprus Anniversary
16/04 01:35
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
16/04 00:29
European Committee of Regions and UN release study on Rural Tourism
15/04 20:41
15/04 19:58
Minister: Greece is transforming into a hub for exporting quality agri-food products
15/04 18:51
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
13/04 00:13
UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
12/04 00:03
2024 marks a critical year in the enduring strength of Greek-German relations
12/04 00:00
11/04 22:07
Ambassador: US committed to upgrade of Greek military and support NATO's SE flank
11/04 19:40
Hellenic Pride on display at rainy Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade
11/04 02:06
Delphi Economic Forum IX: Energy collaboration a 'key' in Greek-Bulgarian relations
11/04 01:58
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Albania sector
10/04 19:01
Greek FinMin: New package of economic measures in 2025 to lower taxes, raise pensions
10/04 18:25
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running
09/04 23:57
Greek PM on Tilos: Innovative projects for a cyclical economy are of key significance
09/04 23:55
UN Tourism members promote agenda for Europe as region leads global recovery
09/04 23:46
HFS presents 1968, Rousing Docudrama about Greece’s First European Cup April 21
09/04 22:48
Stolen 7th-century BC oenochoe returned to Greece by Hanover museum, municipality
09/04 22:42
Greek civil servants confederation ADEDY to strike on May 21
09/04 21:55
Greek Migration Minister meets Senior US Coordinator for Lawful Migration
08/04 23:48
08/04 23:41
Elliniko-Argyroupoli Mayor marches in Greek Independence Philadelphia Parade
08/04 21:53
Project Voria casino complex in Maroussi moving ahead after environmental report
08/04 21:36
Minister: Up to 120 delegations to take part in 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
08/04 19:22
Direct flight from Shanghai to Athens offers access to key tourism market for Greece
08/04 18:31
AI conference to attract distinguished speakers to Thessaloniki on April 25-27
04/04 23:28
City of San Jose marks March 25 with 16th Annual Greek Flag Raising Event
04/04 22:16
Urban plans published for seven townships in Thessaloniki and Attica of Greece
04/04 17:24
FinMin: The new EU economic and fiscal framework is good for Greece
04/04 15:30
Greek PM meets with the chiefs of the international pharmaceutical manufacturers
04/04 00:15
Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace meets US Embassy Deputy Mission Chief
03/04 20:12
Syracuse AHEPA Chapter 37 marks March 25th Greek Independence Day
03/04 18:10
Greece's Delphi Economic Forum on April 10-13 to focus on 'The Great Transition'
03/04 16:42
Minister: Industrial production has returned to the pre-crisis levels in Greece
02/04 18:06
30/03 23:21
Eleni Gatzoyiannis scholarship offered to Greek students at Boston University
29/03 16:44
3rd edition of 'This is Athens - City Festival' with 250+ events from May 1 until June 2
29/03 15:53
Athens Metro station Aghia Varvara to stay closed on Saturday and Sunday
29/03 13:55
Greek Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy concludes visit to Montenegro
29/03 12:00
29/03 11:51
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
22/03 14:19
22/03 00:24
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
22/03 00:02
Hellenic Police acquires first electric VAN-type highway patrol vehicle
21/03 22:41
21/03 15:33
Unseen Museum presents "The stele of the twin babies" exhibition in Athens
20/03 22:48
Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
20/03 21:52
Greek Deputy Minister of Justice meets delegation from US Embassy in Athens
20/03 21:44
Greek Interior Minister to visit United States and Canada on postal vote
20/03 20:55
Philadelphia Icarians mark 85th Anniversary and organize Apokriatiko Dance
20/03 18:01
Development Minister: We continue the battle against high prices in Greece
19/03 22:28
President of the Hellenic Republic meets her Ethiopian counterpart in Athens
Greek FM talks with Kuwaiti counterpart on bilateral relations, regional cooperation
Greece and China to ink cooperation protocols in the fisheries sector
Prices of products in Easter Basket the same or lower in Greece than in 2023
Extended shop opening hours for Easter in Greece start on Thursday
Herculaneum papyri unveil more than location of Plato's tomb in Athens
Athens Airport voted as the best in marketing strategy at European awards in Denmark
Payment by bank cards now accepted on Athens Airport Express bus lines
Thirty-one Greek political parties to take part in European Parliament elections
President of Hellenic Republic visits La Chascona Museum in visit to Chile
Bill lifting restrictions for Greeks voting from abroad greenlighted by majority vote
Deadline to file taxes is extended in Greece to July 31 by Finance Ministry
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
Greek capital of Athens among top-10 most beautiful cities for the second time
Greek supermarkets record rise in value and decline in volume of FMCG sales
New publication: 'I am not Maria - I am Callas: Her real life and an eon of myths'
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
Tri-city winter luncheon unites upstate New York Philoptochos chapters
Priceless antiquities returned to the people of Greece at New York Consulate
Impressive statue of Hercules unearthed in Philippi of Northern Greece
World Taste Atlas: Greek cuisine is the second best on the planet
Severe weather front to continue across Greece until Wednesday (video)
Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation presents lecture with US University President