Malaysian business travellers one of the most diligent in the world, says Expedia

KUALA LUMPUR: According to a global study done by Expedia, 85% or 8 out of 10 Malaysian business travellers prefer using smartphones when planning and sharing their trips while travelling.

In a statement on Wednesday, Expedia said Malaysian travellers are also one of the most diligent in the world at 88%, when saving their personal data online for more streamlined bookings in future.

“Malaysian travellers are also one of the least private in the world, as mobile phone numbers (75%) make up the most frequent type of information that is saved online to streamline the booking process - doubling the global average at 39%,” it said.

The study also found travel reviews to be “very important” to Malaysian business travellers when planning a trip, the highest in the world at 92%.

“However, over the past year, majority of Malaysian travellers (business and leisure) prefer posting positive reviews (64%) about their experiences, than negative ones (42%),” it said.

Expedia also revealed that 96% of Malaysian business travellers and 95% of holiday goers prefer to stay off the grid when on the plane and are not picky about in-flight Wi-Fi availability.

“While they are making less trips than their global counterparts (1-2 trips a year), Malaysian travellers cannot rid themselves out of work.

“More than seven in ten work the same amount (27%) or more (46%) while on business trips, when compared to their regular office hours. Only 27% work fewer hours while on their business trips, the lowest in Asia,” it said.