E-Booking Topping Charts

A new study shows the number of travel bookings made online is growing at the speed of Internet time.

For those doubters not yet convinced that travel purchasing is moving online at the speed of Internet time, a new study shows the number of online travel bookings has surged dramatically — and the trend shows no signs of slowing.

The data, drawn from a survey of corporate travel buyers and consumer booking patterns, reveals that online booking has moved from a novelty to a mainstream channel in a remarkably short period. Business travelers in particular are embracing web-based booking tools, drawn by the convenience of 24-hour access and the ability to compare options without calling an agent.

For travel managers, the shift presents both opportunity and challenge. Online booking tools promise lower transaction costs and better data capture — but they also require new policies, new training, and new thinking about the role of the travel management company in a world where employees can book their own trips from their desks.