The Morning Brief Booking’s APAC Chief on Travel Trends, AI, and Loyalty
Oct 23, 2025
Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director and VP of Asia-Pacific at Booking.com, shares insights on the transformative trends in travel. She highlights India's vast potential for growth, driven by digital-first travelers and a shift towards spiritual and alternative stays. The use of AI for personalized experiences is a game-changer, enabling tailored recommendations and smoother journeys. Lastly, Laura discusses strategies for balancing price sensitivity with enhanced experiences and the importance of diverse accommodation options to cater to evolving traveler preferences.
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Travel Pauses, It Rarely Stops
- Travel doesn't stop when disruption hits; it pauses and pivots to different destinations.
- Laura Houldsworth says travelers remain resilient and simply choose alternatives rather than cancelling travel entirely.
India Is Exceptionally Digital-First
- India shows stronger digital-first behavior and higher AI usage than many markets.
- Houldsworth notes 82% of Indian travelers use AI to find less crowded places versus 69% globally.
Pilgrimage Travel Went Independent
- Spiritual and pilgrimage travel in India has shifted from group-led to independent trips.
- Booking.com is surfacing relevant properties and activities to serve this independent pilgrimage trend.