Booking Flexibility a 'Growing Priority' for Asian Travellers, according to Agoda latest data

Free cancellation and Pay-at-hotel options climbed into top 10 most popular filters

As free cancellation and ‘pay at the hotel’ options increase in popularity, Agoda highlights how accommodation partners can win more by giving guests greater control over their travel plans.

OTA Agoda’s latest ranking of most popular search filters for 2026 has revealed that booking flexibility is playing a growing role among travellers in Asia. 

Agoda search data highlights free cancellation and ‘pay at the hotel’ as some of the region’s most-used filters, reflecting preferences for convenience and greater control over travel plans. 

While accommodation type remains the most-used search filter, accounting for 19% of all filter use across Asia, traveller priorities are diversifying. 

Both 'free cancellation' and 'pay-at-hotel' options have climbed into the top 10 most popular filters region-wide, highlighting the increasing importance travellers are placing on clear cancellation policies and flexible payment options, on top of where they stay. 

Agoda’s further data shows that this desire for flexibility extends throughout the trip planning journey. 

Travellers aren't just looking for refundable options; they are also tailoring their searches around convenient property features like specific bed types, parking facilities, and proximity to public transport. 

Travellers are looking for accommodations that can easily cater to their specific travel styles, whether they are planning a spontaneous drive-to getaway, traveling with a large group, or mapping out a multi-stop itinerary. 

“Search filters can reveal what travellers want to know before they book whether that's the right accommodation type, greater flexibility or confidence in the quality of a stay," said Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda.

"For accommodation providers, these insights can be a roadmap for meeting evolving traveller expectations. 

"Properties that make their value proposition clear, highlight the amenities guests care about most, and reduce booking friction will be better positioned to increase visibility, encourage conversion in an increasingly competitive market.”

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

Eliminate Booking Friction - hoteliers should look to implement flexible cancellation windows and localised, multi-tiered payment paths including 'pay at hotel' options, where appropriate to build guest confidence and secure bookings early.

Next, the firm recommends treating property listings as merchandising tools. Property categorization, comprehensive amenity tagging, and transparent policy descriptions are vital. 

Finally, localize the Value Proposition. Properties should tailor their highlighted features to match the exact search habits of their target source markets whether that means prioritising family-friendly facilities, included breakfasts, or transit proximity.