April 26, 2024

Search Volumes Steady But Windows Shortened in Most Regions

After 20 months of lockdowns and take a trip constraints, its clear that were residing in a world where preparation for the unpredictable is part of the standard.

NB: This is a post from Expedia Group

In the very first quarter of the year, we saw a number of favorable indications, with vaccines ending up being more available and hope on the horizon. In the second quarter we continued to see motivating trends, with higher tourist search volumes and longer search windows. As we moved into Q3, nevertheless, we began to see the COVID-19 Delta variant and other global aspects effect performance. Were still seeing a number of favorable indications overall.

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The 3rd quarter of 2021 saw sustained momentum for the market, with development at the regional level, consisting of brand-new vaccination corridors and the rise of company travel demand as workplaces started reopening. These insights and others are highlighted in the Q3 Travel Recovery Trend Report, in which we evaluate our findings and share actionable insights to help take a trip brands continue on their road to healing. Below is a photo of the essential findings.

Browse Volumes Are Holding Steady

In Q3 we saw search volumes from tourists throughout the globe hold stable, with little modification quarter-over-quarter. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Latin America (LATAM) saw increases of 50% and 10%, respectively, compared to Q2.

Taking a look at year-over-year numbers, the 3rd quarter of 2021 provided triple-digit growth compared to 2020. Even in North America, where the Delta version had one of the strongest effects, we saw search volumes increase 80% year-over-year. This appears to signify that, despite these still-uncertain times, individuals are excited to see the world as soon as again.

Browse Windows Shortened in Most Regions

This change in tourist habits recommends shoppers went back again to planning trips at the last minute, when they can be more certain of the conditions of travel.

While worldwide search volumes held constant total, we did see a shift in the kinds of searches travelers were making compared to Q2. In the third quarter, almost 70% of international searches were made 0 to 30 days out, which was a 15% increase compared to the previous quarter. Compare this to the longer 31- to 90– day window, which dropped somewhat from 25% to 20%.

Reservations for Several Cities Surged

There was a lot of movement in the leading 10 locations reserved in between Q2 and Q3, both worldwide and within each region of the world. At the global level, we saw a number of cities surge in appeal, entering the top 10 for September reservations when formerly not on the list.

At the local level, tourists were more thinking about international locations compared to the previous quarter. New York City topped the list for both worldwide reservations and those from NORAM-based tourists, and it was likewise a top location for tourists from APAC, EMEA, and LATAM.

Demand for Holiday Season Travel Is Up

After the lost time with loved ones during last years holiday, tourists are excited to make the many of the 2021 Thanksgiving (U.S.), Christmas, and New Years holidays. Compared to 2020, Q3 searches for November and December travel dates in NORAM and EMEA saw triple-digit growth, while LATAM saw double-digit development.

When it pertains to actual need for remain in November and December we also saw triple-digit growth in most areas compared to the previous year. Vrbo data reveals that travelers were booking December stays as far back as July, with need up even compared to 2019. This is a strong indication that travelers are beginning to feel safe spending quality time with pals and household again and are anticipating a more joyous vacation season.

Organization Travel Is on the Rise

With offices reopening and in-person events reconvening in numerous parts of the world, company travel is also on the rise. Egencia data reveals that company travel need was up over 40% globally in Q3 compared to Q2, and more than 110% compared to the same period last year.

These trends are simply a fraction of the insights we collect from our more than 300 petabytes of Expedia Group traveler intent and demand information. To see more actionable insights, download the full Q3 2021 Travel Recovery Trend Report.

Check out more short articles from Expedia Group

In the 2nd quarter we continued to see encouraging trends, with higher tourist search volumes and longer search windows. The third quarter of 2021 saw sustained momentum for the market, with progress at the regional level, including brand-new vaccination corridors and the rise of organization travel need as offices started reopening. In Q3 we saw search volumes from tourists across the globe hold constant, with little modification quarter-over-quarter. Even in North America, where the Delta variation had one of the strongest effects, we saw search volumes increase 80% year-over-year. While global search volumes held steady total, we did see a shift in the kinds of searches travelers were making compared to Q2.