Budget Hotels Drive Southeast Asia’s Online Travel Growth to $34 Billion
Like low-cost carriers before them, low-cost hotel chains are playing a big role in the growth of online travel in Southeast Asia, according to a new Google report.
Southeast Asia's online travel sector grew to $34.4 billion this year, from $29.7 billion in 2018 and $19.4 billion in 2015, according to the latest study of the region's internet economy r eleased on Thursday by Google, Temasek, and Bain.
The rise of budget hotels, led by brands such as Oyo Rooms and RedDoorz, is a highlight, according to the report. Queries for selected budget hotel brands soared in 2019, up more than nine times compared to 2015, according to Google Trends.
"These companies offer reliable accommodation at a fraction of the price of international hotel brands, aimed at youth and cost-conscious travelers from within and outside of Southeast Asia.
