Booking.com Launches the First Instant Booking Travel App for Apple Watch

PR60208

AMSTERDAM, Apr. 20, /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

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 and only 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.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7504251-booking-travel-app-for-apple-watch/

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

AboutBooking.com:

Booking.com is the world leader in booking hotel and other accommodations

online. It guarantees the best prices for any type of property - from small

independents to five-star luxury. Guests can access the Booking.com website

anytime, anywhere from their desktops, mobile phones and tablet devices, and

they don't pay booking fees - ever. The Booking.com website is available in 42

languages, offers over 625,000 hotels and accommodations including more than

245,000 vacation rental properties and covers over 75,000 destinations in 212+

countries and territories worldwide.  It features over 45 million reviews

written by guests after their stay, and attracts online visitors from both

leisure and business markets around the globe. With over 17 years of experience

and a team of over 8,600 dedicated employees in 155+ offices worldwide,

Booking.com operates its own in-house customer service team, which is available

24/7 to assist guests in their native languages and ensure an exceptional

customer experience.

Established in 1996, Booking.com B.V. owns and operates Booking.com(TM), and is

part of The Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN). Follow us on Twitter, Google+ and

Pinterest, like us on Facebook, or learn more at http://www.booking.com.

Source: Booking.com