Americans Lag In Digital Dependence For Travel, Survey Shows

Americans rank in the bottom half of the world’s most digitally dependent travelers from 19 different countries based on their reliance on mobile, internet and digital technology for travel-related purposes, according to research published by Travelport. The findings are based on a global online survey of 11,000 travelers in 19 countries, including 1,000 respondents in the United States.

The 2017 Travelport Digital Traveler Research Report surveyed global travelers who took at least one return flight last year. The rankings are based on a combination of the main indicators of digital usage for travel-related purposes by travelers in each country.

“The middle-of-the-road survey results for the United States compared to other countries are surprising, considering typical American eagerness to embrace the latest technologies,” said Erika Moore, Travelport’s vice president and general manager for the United States. “Travelport’s survey indicates there are continuing opportunities for the $7.6 trillion global travel and hospitality industry to promote the adoption and use of new digital travel tools and content in the United States, as well as to adapt continually to provide responsive, relevant and timely services for customers.”

The survey also revealed new insights into how American travelers use digital tools to plan, book and experience travel. It examined digital usage at all stages of a journey, from planning to completion. Specific to airports and airlines, the survey showed the 73 percent of Americans believe digital boarding passes make traveling much easier, and 60 percent feel a good digital experience is important when choosing an airline. Generally, 44 percent of traveling Americans research and book all their travel arrangements on their smartphones.