BOOKING.COM LAUNCHES THE FIRST INSTANT BOOKING TRAVEL APP FOR APPLE WATCH

AMSTERDAM – April 20th 2015, PRNewswire – Booking.com, the world’s number one accommodation site, today announces the launch of the Booking Now app for the Apple Watch. Booking Now, which draws from Booking.com’s vast selection of over 625,000 properties in more than 75,000 unique destinations, is the first travel app to enable users to book a stay directly from their Watch, and in just one touch. Through the use of Apple’s new pressure sensitive ‘force touch’ technology, spontaneous travelers are now able to choose and book the nearest relevant hotel in one simple gesture.

Through the app, travelers can also instantly manage key aspects of their reservation with the new ‘glances’ feature of the Apple Watch via a simple swipe. Other features include the ability for spontaneous travelers to save the location of their chosen property, as well as turn-by-turn navigation to direct them quickly to the accommodation.  Travelers will never forget their hotel room number again as the watch will save this for the duration of their stay. It also allows them to rate their overall check-in experience.

“At Booking.com, we’re dedicated to empowering travelers to simply search and book an accommodation that’s just right for them, no matter which screen or device.  Bringing Booking Now to the Apple Watch is the next chapter in our relentless commitment to innovation. By integrating cutting- edge technologies we are able to streamline the booking process even further which allows users to secure the right accommodation with ultimate ease.‘’ said Stuart Frisby, Principal Designer at Booking.com.

He continues:  ‘’The Booking Now app for the Apple Watch is designed to meet today’s growing preference for on-demand and instantaneous travel while offering a simple and tailored experience on arguably the most personal computer ever made. 96% of global travelers agree that technology has made it easier to book travel, with 85% agreeing that because it makes booking on the go easier they can also be more spontaneous; however 67% would prefer to reduce their time spent online while travelling*. Our innovative app delivers the best of both - users can really do less to get more.”

Backed by Booking.com’s reliable global network with 24/7 customer support and access to the world’s largest database of more than 45 million verified guest reviews, Booking Now for the Apple Watch is designed to sit alongside the existing Booking Now iPhone app. The mobile app provides travelers with on-the-go solutions to effortlessly and instantly make a reservation at the nearest property that matches their personal preferences with no hidden fees and a seamless “pay when you stay” model. 

Booking Now, which is available in 15 languages, will be available for download on the Apple Watch in the Apple App Store on 24th April 2015.
* Findings from Booking.com research conducted in 2014