Travellers in APAC are seeking tech-driven experiences

travellers digital experience
Image by aquamarine_paint | Bigstockphoto

With borders gradually opening up across the region, travellers in APAC looking to escape the effects of the pandemic are turning their attention to destinations in the region that offer tech-driven experiences – with Australia, the Philippines, and Indonesia capturing a lot of attention.

According to Google’s Destination Insights, the Philippines saw a 76% increase in travel demand for January 2022, 114% for February 2022, and 104% for March 2022. This is good news for the country’s tourism industry, which was hit hard by the pandemic. Australia and Indonesia are also seeing a significant recovery, with travel demand exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

The rise in travel to countries in the region is being driven by travellers’ new focus on tech-driven experiences that are safe, contactless, and easy to book. Hermione Joye, sector lead of Travel & Vertical Search APAC at Google, said that this shift will require hotels and tour operators to invest in digital technologies that make it easier for travellers to plan, navigate, and share their experiences.

Travellers, both leisure and business, are now more digital than ever, with many using tech-enabled services like online check-in and self-service kiosks to streamline their travel experience. In addition, they rely heavily on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to share their travels with friends and family back home.

According to Joye, this surge in demand for tech-enabled services is an opportunity for travel businesses to optimize their online presence and improve customer experience. With the right tools, they can provide travellers with the seamless experiences that they are looking for and take full advantage of the growing tourism industry post-pandemic.

On top of this, it’s important for travel businesses to understand the types of travellers they are targeting. According to Google, travellers are now spending more time planning their trips and are looking for longer vacations. They are also more likely to book vacation rentals and premium travel options that offer luxury and wellness-centered experiences.

Furthermore, travellers have become even more aware of the importance of sustainable tourism. By implementing responsible tourism initiatives such as carbon offsetting and reducing waste, they can appeal to the growing segment of travellers who are more sustainability-conscious than ever.

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