51% of U.S. Travel Booked Online in 2007

According to the PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey the year 2007 was the first in which more travel was purchased online than off-line in the U.S.

The report goes on to predict that "the gap between online and off-line will continue to widen as more and more travelers shift behavior to online shopping and buying." The study said that 51% of U.S. travel was booked online in 2007, and it projected that percentage to increase to 56% in 2008 and 60% in 2009.

Interestingly, the survey also suggests that the more complex travel products, such as package holidays, are being purchased less frequently online, while simple products like plane tickets and car hire are being purchased more frequently.

Omni Hotels Launch Brand-wide Mobile Web Site

Omni Hotels announced today the launch of a new, brand-wide mobile Web site. Guests can now conveniently access hotel information from any Web-enabled mobile device. The mobile Web site can be used to book a reservation, get hotel information or look at special offers. In addition, Omni Hotels is the first hotel brand to feature online check-in as a mobile Web site function. This unique feature enables travelers to check-in before they even arrive at their destination, ensuring that guestroom keys are ready and waiting upon arrival.

“Our goal was to give travelers the means to check-in to the hotel while on-the-go, obtain maps and get directions to the hotel,” said Kerry Kennedy, director of e-commerce for Omni Hotels. “Today, these are becoming necessities for the busy business traveler.”

Omni Hotels’ mobile Web site is powered by Usablenet Mobile. The technology employed for the mobile Web site automatically detects what type of mobile device is being used. When a guest visits omnihotels.com, a mobile-friendly version of the site optimized for the wireless device, provides a rich user experience with speed, ease and all major functions of the full Web site for the mobile user.