Skyscanner's evolution shaped by what travellers want

The company's chief executive says as traveller demands evolve, the future belongs to platforms that combine elements of media, inspiration and deal aggregation

- Sarah Stanley

As travel metasearch platforms evolve, they defy easy categorisation. Such platforms, including Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, Trivago and Kayak, aggregate and compare options such as flights, hotels and car rentals from different companies online. They then redirect users to third-party providers, including online travel platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia, to complete their bookings.

Skyscanner's revenue comes from a combination of commissions through partnerships with travel providers, as well as sponsored listings and advertising.

Yet, in an interview with The Straits Times, Skyscanner chief executive John Mangelaars says the metasearch platform category is becoming almost non-existent.

These platforms were once highly focused on price comparisons. “Traditionally, users would compare prices to find the cheapest deal. These days, it's no longer about the cheapest price. It's about the best price,” says Mr Mangelaars, referring to a shift from cost-focused to value-driven decisions in travel planning.

Despite challenging economic conditions, travel remains a key priority for Singapore travellers, many of whom strike a careful balance between value and price.

Based on Skyscanner's 2025 Travel Trends report released in October, 53 per cent of Singapore travellers indicated that they are planning to spend more on holidays in 2025 than in 2024.

The report also found that 42 per cent of Singapore travellers have set aside higher budgets for flights and 34 per cent are planning to increase accommodation spending in 2025 compared with 2024.

As traveller demands evolve, Mr Mangelaars says the future belongs to platforms that combine elements of media, inspiration and deal aggregation - a strategy that Skyscanner is adopting.