Total time spent on travel apps rose 86% year over year in April 2021 worldwide, but numbers have not quite returned to April 2019 levels, according to new data.
According to mobile data analytics firm App Annie, as consumers begin testing the waters with local trips and destinations within driving distance, Google Maps was the most downloaded travel and navigation app in Q1.
Uber was the second most downloaded app and #1 travel and navigation app worldwide by monthly active users (MAU).
Travel planning also made a comeback in Q1. Booking.com ranked #7 worldwide for downloads among the travel and navigation category. Additionally, Airbnb ranked #9 for worldwide downloads.
Globally, time spent in travel and navigation apps is up 86% YoY, leveling out to pre-pandemic levels.
Lexi Sydow, Head of Marketing Insights, App Annie, said: “After being in lockdown for more than a year, people across the world are looking to make up for lost time when it comes to their travel goals. Some are focused on local trips they can get to by car, as Google Maps was the most downloaded travel and navigation app worldwide in Q1. In certain countries, like the US, where travel restrictions loosened quickly as vaccinations rose, apps like American Airlines, Fly Delta and Southwest Airlines ranked in the top 20 for downloads and average MAU when looking at travel and navigation apps. We can expect to see travel app usage and downloads continue to spike as things get back to normal.”
