Mobile bookings drive North American online travel growth

Mobile devices captured more than half of all online travel bookings in North America in 2024, reflecting a fundamental shift in how consumers research and purchase trips across the region.

According to a new market analysis by Mordor Intelligence, mobile accounted for 56.42% of all bookings in 2024 and is projected to grow at an 11.92% compound annual growth rate through 2030. 

The North American online travel market overall is estimated at $258.03 billion in 2025 and expected to reach $411.80 billion by 2030, representing a 9.80% CAGR during the forecast period.

Smartphones have become the control centre for trip planning, with mobile bookings already accounting for 57% of all online reservations. 

Generation Z travellers are driving the fastest growth in mobile adoption at 11.66% CAGR, while Millennials commanded 45.11% of all bookings in 2024.

Desktop computers remain important for multi-stop or high-value itineraries where larger screens aid comparison shopping.

Online travel agencies retained a 61.33% share of the North American market in 2024, though direct supplier channels are projected to grow at a 9.14% CAGR through 2030.

Major hotel chains are leveraging loyalty program benefits—including complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades and app-exclusive rates—to encourage direct bookings. 

Airlines are similarly promoting app downloads with upgrade offers and automated rebooking features.

OTAs are countering by embedding virtual agents, streamlined insurance quotes and multi-supplier vacation bundles that direct channels cannot easily replicate.

Credit and debit cards retained 67.1% of revenue share in 2024, but buy-now-pay-later options represent the fastest-growing payment method with an 18.25% CAGR expected through 2030.

Travel accommodation commanded 44.1% of revenue in 2024, while vacation packages are projected to advance at 10.51% annually through 2030—the fastest growth rate of any service type.

Leisure trips represented 71.78% of total spending in 2024. 

Business travel is growing at 8.7% annually, with hybrid work schedules spawning "bleisure" extensions that lengthen stays.

The United States dominated the regional market with 81.33% revenue share in 2024. 

Mexico is forecast to post the fastest growth rate at 8.88% CAGR through 2030, driven by infrastructure upgrades including new terminals at Cancún and Guadalajara. 

The country's Ministry of Tourism recorded a 12% uptick in international arrivals during 2024.

Canada's online travel market continues to evolve with the rising popularity of short-term rentals reshaping the accommodation landscape.

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