Growing Search Volume, Longer Search Windows Point to Return of Traveler Optimism

With nearly three-quarters of consumers saying they’re planning a trip in the next 12 months, new search data corroborates that more travelers are optimistic about the return of travel.

According to Expedia Group’s Q2 2021 Travel Recovery Trend Report, which combines the online travel giant’s first-party data and custom research, monthly global search volumes grew more than 70% quarter-over-quarter.

For the quarter, positive global search volume was seen during 11 of the 13 weeks, sharply contrasting the fluctuations that occurred during Q1 2021 and in 2020.

In week-over-week global searches, the week of May 10 saw the largest increase in searches (10%) following news about Pfizer vaccine expansion, including approval for adolescents and the European Union’s contract extension. In EMEA, the news resulted in a 15% increase in searches during the same week and contributed to month-over-month search growth for the region.

EMEA searches increased 70% between April and May compared to the 20% month-over-month progress seen between March and April and increased another 35% between May and June.

While half of global searches fell within a zero to 21-day search window, indicating travelers were opting for trips closer to home, the global search window is lengthening, another indication that traveler confidence is rising.

Global searches made 22 to 90 days in advance of travel dates accounted for more than 35% of searches in Q2, up 25% quarter-over-quarter.