Expedia’s Hong Kong Bookings Up 658% in 2014

So far this year Expedia has recorded a 658% increase in bookings out of Hong Kong.

But while travel bookings are on the increase, 64% of Hong Kongers feel that limited annual leave allocations will affect their ability to enjoy long-haul travel in 2015. The findings come from a survey commissioned by Expedia to uncover the 2015 travel aspirations of Hong Kong people.

The survey found that in 2015 Japan will again be the most popular travel destination for Hong Kong residents. Short-haul destinations are forecast to be the most popular across the board with Japan in the top spot followed by Taiwan, Thailand and South Korea.

In terms of travel frequency and spending, the 2014 sales report and the survey found that:

• In 2014 Hong Kong people travelled 1.7 times per year
• In 2015 Hong Kong people intend to travel an average of 2.6 times per person
• In 2014 each traveller spent HK$10,732 per trip (inclusive of airfare and hotel)
• In 2015 Hong Kong people intend to spend up to HK$12,400 per trip
• The majority of travellers purchase travel 1-2 months prior to departure

The biggest travel concern for Hong Kong people surveyed was their annual leave allocation. Around 64% of people think that they don’t receive enough annual leave and around 79% think that their lack of annual leave restricts their ability to plan a long-haul trip. The majority of people surveyed felt that they should be entitled to 22 days of annual vacation.

Accommodation is always an important travel consideration and Hong Kongers surveyed felt that when it comes to choosing a hotel, location is the most significant factor (80%), followed by price (72%), free Wi-Fi (65%) and bathroom hygiene (42%).

When it comes to travel companions, Hong Kongers prefer to travel with their ‘other half’ (59%) followed by friends (40%) and parents (35%). Travelling with parents is popular with 42% of those aged 35-44 are considering travelling with their parents in 2015.

In 2015 Expedia says it expects to see a significant increase in Hong Kong people choosing to fly with low cost carriers (LCCs). In 2014 nearly 30% of travellers booked flights with a LCC and 86% of respondents said that they are likely to fly with an LCC in 2015. 74% of respondents said they would book their LCC flight with an online travel company which shows a boost of confidence in both LCCs and online travel booking platforms.

Expedia Hong Kong Marketing Manager, June Tsang said, "Our 2014 results are very encouraging with a better than expected performance. Even more encouraging is the recent survey results showing that in 2015 there will be an increase in travel products booked through online travel agencies. To cater for this growing demand Expedia.com.hk will introduce more travel promotions, offer more choices of hotels and airlines, and increase the variety of LCCs available as a priority. The feedback on our recently launched tablet app has also been very strong and we will continue to invest in the development of this technology to make booking with Expedia.com.hk even more convenient."