Google says online travel boosted by Smartphone usage

It's not often that you find in-depth and detailed research reports coming from the search-engine giant Google but the company has started focusing India in a different light these days. The recent induction of an Indian to head the Android and Chrome division could have been an instigator but no matter what be the reason no one's complaining.

Google for the first time has come out with a Multi-Traveler report that basically illustrates how the smart devices have come to the forefront in the last 12 months and being involved in travel centric search and bookings.

According to the report conducted by IPSOS, online activity related to travel has increased on smartphone and tablet with desktops/notebook still playing its role in this aspect.

Apparently 76% people make use of smartphone as well as desktop during their travel search, which comprises of dreaming, researching, booking, experiencing and sharing. Interestingly, 60% move to another device while going to booking stage.

Over 1/3rd of travel related search queries on Google India are now coming from mobile and tablet devices, with queries from smart phones growing at 397% YoY.

Consumers these days want to remain abreast with happenings all the time, share and find information anywhere and this has lead to change in how people are engaging online, said Vikas Agnihotri, Director - Travel & BFSI, Google India.

The study further states that social platforms play a prominent role in helping users decide on their travel destination, booking platform etc. Pictures shared on Facebook has been the source of choosing places to travel and this way visual content appeals more to the users than.

Another crucial reason for the usage of smart devices for travel purpose is the availability of specific apps that offer better viewing experience on any size of display screen.

Unlike browsers, the apps have the ability to adjust itself to the specific hardware in use. Going forward apps will result in increasing smartphone usage for travel centric needs, Agnihotri added.

The research study has been created with inputs from 1500 travelers from top 8 cities in the country who have travelled atleast once in past 12 months.