SINGAPORE, 4 November 2019: Booking.com launched at the weekend its on-demand ride-hailing service in partnership with Grab, giving Booking.com app users access to the largest fleet of drivers across eight countries in Southeast Asia.
Marking Booking.com’s entry into to the ride-hailing business, the move will connect international travellers visiting Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines with local on-demand rides through an app they already know and trust.
It removes the language and currency barriers that can stop many visitors using local transport providers.
The latest initiative combines the strengths of two market-leading travel tech companies. It marks the first time Grab has worked with a Western global digital travel brand to build a native experience.
Already, each company is known for empowering customers through innovative, mobile-first technology. 130 million visitors travel to Southeast Asia every year, and Booking.com and Grab coming together will provide them with the tools they need to travel like a local.
They can access millions of Grab drivers, giving them unprecedented access to safe, affordable and comfortable transport options across Southeast Asia.
In-app, cashless payments made in the user’s currency, delivers greater security and confidence while removing the worry and expense of haggling, language difficulties and currency conversion.
Customer services in the user’s language, so they know what to expect and are able to resolve any issues that may arise.
Booking.com app users can access Grab services in Singapore effective 1 November. The service goes live in Indonesia and Thailand by the end of the year, and in Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines by early 2020.
70% of the world’s ride-hailing activity takes place in Asia as a whole – and Southeast Asia, with its love of mobile technology, is the obvious arena in which to take on the challenge of ride-hailing. Wi-Fi networks are already pretty much ubiquitous in the region, and smartphone usage is predicted to triple before 2021 is out.
“It’s an exciting time, as people discover new ways to explore the world around them,” said Booking.com’s transport division chief executive officer Bryan Batista. “Like Grab, we’re delighted to be pushing the boundaries, combining our unique strengths to deliver added value and bring travellers real, tangible benefits.
The integration of Grab’s ride-hailing services into the Booking.com app is part of a broader strategic partnership between Booking Holdings and Grab.
Booking Holdings is an investor in Grab, which introduced hotel bookings directly through its app, in partnership with Agoda and Booking.com.
Already, people can pre-book taxis in over 120 countries, and rental cars in over 160 through Bookingc.com. Also, through an ongoing pilot scheme, travellers can buy and use public-transport tickets in six European and Australian cities through their Booking.com app.
