Agoda Data Reveals Booking Flexibility as a Key Priority for Asian Travellers in 2026

SINGAPORE:  Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest ranking of the most popular search filters for 2026 indicates that booking flexibility is becoming increasingly significant for travellers across Asia. Data from Agoda highlights free cancellation and 'pay at the hotel' options as some of the region’s most-used filters, reflecting a growing preference for convenience and greater control over travel arrangements.

While accommodation type remains the most commonly used filter, accounting for 19% of all searches across Asia, traveller priorities are diversifying. Both ‘free cancellation’ and ‘pay at hotel’ options have risen into the top ten most popular filters region-wide, underscoring the increasing importance placed on transparent cancellation policies and flexible payment options, alongside the choice of accommodation.

Furthermore, Agoda’s data suggests this demand for flexibility influences the entire trip planning process. Travellers are not only seeking refundable options but are also tailoring their searches based on specific property features such as bed types, parking facilities, and proximity to public transport. They want accommodation that can easily cater to their individual travel styles, whether planning a spontaneous road trip, travelling with a large group, or organising a multi-stop itinerary.

“Search filters reveal what travellers need to know before booking — whether that’s the right accommodation type, increased flexibility, or confidence in the quality of their stay,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda. 

“For accommodation providers, these insights offer a roadmap for meeting evolving traveller expectations. Properties that clearly communicate their value, highlight key amenities, and minimise booking friction will be better positioned to increase visibility and convert bookings in a highly competitive market.”

To help accommodation partners capitalise on these shifting search behaviours, optimise visibility, and attract high-intent interest, Agoda recommends three core strategies:

Eliminate Booking Friction:  

In an era where flexibility shapes booking behaviour, hoteliers should consider implementing flexible cancellation policies and localised, multi-tiered payment options, including ‘pay at hotel’, to build guest confidence and secure bookings early.

Treat Property Listings as Merchandising Tools:  

As travellers rely more heavily on granular search filters, precise property categorisation, comprehensive amenity tagging, and transparent policy descriptions become essential. If an amenity isn’t tagged, the property effectively becomes invisible to relevant filters.

Localise the Value Proposition: 

Traveller preferences differ widely across the region. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, properties should tailor their highlighted features to match the specific search habits of target source markets—whether that’s prioritising family-friendly facilities, including breakfast, or emphasising proximity to transit.

By focusing on what matters most to today’s travellers, accommodation partners can better meet guest expectations, enhance their visibility on Agoda, and make it easier than ever for customers to book with confidence. With a global marketplace featuring over six million accommodation listings, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda connects accommodation partners to comprehensive trip planning demand through a single, integrated platform.-pr