eRevMax, the leading hotel online distribution and channel management solutions provider, has released an Infographic called Meta-search: it’s here to stay, shedding key insights on the growing influence of meta-search over the hotel online distribution space.
The infographic, which is based on several market studies, advises hotels to invest in meta-search marketing and to include it to their core marketing plan. Traffic to meta-search sites has been steadily increasing with more than 36% of online travellers using a comparison shop before booking. This is evident from the 13% growth in the meta-search traffic statistics over the last year amongst varying age groups.
- 39% of ‘Millennials’ (aged below 35 years) cite meta-search channels as their preferred source of information
- 35% of ‘Xers’ (aged 35 to 48 years) opt for meta-search
- 23% of ‘Boomers’ (aged 49 to 67 years)
- 14% of ‘Matures’ (aged above 67 years) select these sites as their top source for travel information
With the entry of TripAdvisor and Google into the meta-search space, it is no wonder that meta-search is going to take centre-stage this year. Kayak processed more than 1,577 million queries in 2013 and this figure is expected to reach more than three billion in the next five years. According to December 2012 data from PhoCusWright and Experian Hitwise, 6% of US traffic comes from sites such as Kayak. TripAdvisor receives 200 million monthly visits and more than 50% of them use the meta-search feature.
This tremendous growth can be attributed to the value proposition these sites offer to the travel consumers; not only do they provide real-time availability and rate data, and enable price comparison, but these sites are also one-stop platforms for travellers to research and consequently book their hotel stay.
eRevMax predicts this year to be the year of hyper meta-search expansion, as companies spread their reach way beyond their home-market comfort zones. For hoteliers to sell through these channels effectively, eRevMax has added meta-search as a new channel option within its distribution network. Hotels can subscribe to push their rates and availability on multiple meta-search sites directly from their RateTiger and Connect platform.
Follow this link to view the full meta-search infographic.
Visit the company website for further information.
Image: eRevMax predicts 2014 to be the year of the meta-search. Photo: courtesy of eRevMax.