Booking.com has launched its on-demand ride-hailing service in partnership with Grab, giving the online travel agency (OTA) app users access to the largest fleet of drivers across eight countries in Southeast Asia. Marking the company’s ride-hailing debut, this move will connect international travellers visiting Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines with local on-demand rides through an app they already know and trust.

It removes the language and currency barriers that can stop many visitors using local transport providers. This initiative combines the strengths of two market-leading travel tech companies and marks the first time Grab has worked with a Western global digital travel brand to build a native experience.

Booking.com app users will be able to access Grab services in Singapore from now, in Indonesia and Thailand by the end of the year, and in Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines by early 2020.

“Bring travellers real, tangible benefits.”

Bryan Batista, chief executive officer of transport division of Booking.com said: “Like Grab, we’re delighted to be pushing the boundaries, combining our unique strengths to deliver added value and bring travellers real, tangible benefits. Our mission is as simple as it is ambitious: we’re making it easier for everyone to experience the world.”

“Our core mission since day one has been to make it safer, easier and more affordable for anyone to get from point A to point B in Southeast Asia,” said Mark Porter, chief technology officer for transport, mobility and core technology at Grab. The integration of Grab’s ride-hailing services into the Booking.com app is part of a broader strategic partnership between the two companies.