Most Indian travellers use phones to book hotel rooms

According to the Mobile Travel Tracker survey that polled 9200 people across 31 countries, more than one-third said they booked their hotel stay while waiting at airports; 40% said they booked just before going to bed

At least one in three Indian travellers book hotels while they are travelling, says a survey by accommodation booking portal Hotels.com. It added that three out of four used a smart phone to do so.

According to the Mobile Travel Tracker survey that polled 9200 people across 31 countries, more than one-third said they booked their hotel stay while waiting at airports; 40% said they booked just before going to bed. A third booked during their ride to the airport; another third booked during office hours (34%), said the survey results released on Monday.

“Having a smart app for booking is a necessity. Smart apps are especially beneficial while making last minute bookings,” said Amit Agarwal senior marketing manager (India and Southeast Asia) with Hotels.com. On an average, the respondents took four trips in a year which translated into a hotel stay of 13 days. One in ten said they spend a month a year in hotels.

About 34% booked one or two hotel stays on mobile devices in the past 12 months, while 31% said they booked three to four, and 13% booked five to six. Almost 70% said that booked their stay on the day of travel, while 30% booked a week before their trip.

The top 5 usages of cell phones while travelling among Indians.

1.To book a hotel room (73%)

2.Maps to get around (61%)

3.Comparing prices and deals (60%)

4.To book a flight (59%)

5.To book a cab ride (58%)