Klook-TikTok Collab: Now Book Travel Experiences Directly in the App

22.08.2024 - 15:40 / skift.com / Peden Doma Bhutia

In a move it describes as shifting from “inspiration to action,” Asian experiences platform Klook has teamed up with TikTok to enable users in seven Southeast Asian markets and Japan to book travel experiences directly through the app.

As social media becomes the go-to channel for travelers seeking destination inspiration, Klook is intensifying its social-first strategy and driving innovation in social commerce.

Through its “Kreator” influencer program, Klook is integrating booking capabilities across various platforms, including the new TikTok booking feature.

“We are deeply attuned to the preferences of next-gen travelers — Gen Z and Millennials — who increasingly seek travel inspiration through social media,” Marcus Yong, Klook’s vice president of global marketing, told Skift.

Launched last year, Klook’s “Kreator” influencer program is an influencer marketing platform that enlists individuals to share travel deals and discounts on their respective platforms as a Klook affiliate.

According to Yong, the Klook Kreator program stands at the forefront of this latest strategy, enlisting over 20,000 content creators to share travel deals and discounts across their platforms.

“The program empowers a global community to produce authentic and relatable content that resonates most with their audience, while driving value for merchants seeking to tap into this diverse community,” he said.

Anyone with at least 5,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok can join the “Kreator” program. Upon signing up, participants receive a unique promo code to share with their audience, earning commissions on bookings and access to sponsored travel events and experiences.

As the program gains traction in markets like Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S., Klook is expanding its reach to include platforms like YouTube, reflecting its commitment to exploring new content formats and engaging a broader audience.

The company’s investment in Kreator Labs workshops further supports creators globally, fostering collaboration with merchants and offering influencers firsthand experiences of travel activities.

The influence of social media on travel behavior is undeniable, with Gen Z and Millennials making up 70% of Klook’s 60 million monthly visitors. These younger travelers increasingly turn to short-form videos for inspiration, with many willing to spend over $3,000 per trip, according to the latest Klook Travel Pulse survey. The average age of Klook’s customers is 27.

The survey highlights social media as the primary source of inspiration for Gen Z travelers, with over half relying on these platforms to discover new destinations and experiences, rather than traditional travel guides or search engines.

Digital influencers continue to