About 59% of the respondents in Asia indicated they searched for travel accommodation online via mobile devices (13% above global average) with Thailand leading at 65%. A high 33% said they booked travel accommodation via their mobile devices, 8% higher than the global average.

The study also revealed 75% have made reservations online for accommodation for their leisure and business trips (10% higher than global average) with Singapore ranking the highest at 84%.

The survey findings are based on the responses of over 12,000 respondents representing the Internet-active adult population in over 25 major markets including the Americas, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and Oceania.

AsiaRooms said the study also aims to gain greater insights to the travel booking habits of consumers globally, which includes the usage patterns of mobile devices.

Other key findings (see infographic below):

• Price comparison: Comparing the price of travel accommodation online is the second most popular activity, with 50% of the respondents from Asia stating they do so (10% higher than the global average).
• Numbers rising: 58% of consumers in Asia are using their mobile devices to make online purchases, while 63% of consumers indicated they are likely to book travel accommodation via the mobile in the future (10% higher than global average).
• Reasons for not using mobile: 40% said content is hard to see on the mobile device, while 35% cited slow/unstable internet connection on same mobile devices,

The report noted that mobile connectivity is increasingly important for consumers in Asia as 83% of the respondents own a mobile phone with internet access. This echoes Nielsen’s latest report, which found that smartphone penetration in Asia Pacific is booming with a number of markets in the region surpassing those of the U.S. as well as many European nations.

Clarence Lin, head of marketing, APAC, AsiaRooms.com, said the trend of mobile usage for booking and buying travel services is here to stay as consumers are increasingly connected, as well as demanding greater convenience at their fingertips. “We see travel and mobility as big passion points for consumers in Asia and will continue to extend our reach relevantly in the marketplace.”

AsiaRooms recently launched a mobile app, which provides on-the-go secure bookings.

• Photo credit (Asian travellers): Odua Images/Shutterstock