Google Maps Tops in 2021 as Most-Downloaded Travel App

Google maps was the most-downloaded travel app in the world in 2021 with 106 million downloads, overtaking Uber which held this position in 2020.

Google Maps is way more than a navigation app and last year it introduced “easier ways for businesses to show the local services they offer, from hair extensions to auto repair,” Google Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler said at that time.

Booking.com (placed 3rd), based in Europe, and short-term rental giant Airbnb (placed 5th), based in the United States, were the only two pure-play travel apps to enter the list of top 10 travel apps by downloads globally in 2021. Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hopper were the top three most-downloaded online travel agency applications globally in 2021.

Download numbers aren’t only a function of popularity; they also represent how much money organizations spend on marketing to get these installs.