Booking.com News

As a global leader in online accommodations and travel services, Booking.com continues to shape the digital travel experience through innovation, platform evolution, and strategic partnerships. PhocusWire delivers the latest Booking.com news to keep industry professionals informed on how this travel giant is adapting to shifting market dynamics and consumer expectations.

Key Booking.com updates, partnerships, and market trends

Follow developments in Booking.com’s core technology, loyalty strategies, and supplier relationships, along with its expansion into flights, experiences, and payments. Our reporting covers how the brand is responding to competitive pressures, regulatory environments, and the increasing demand for seamless, personalized travel.

Booking made gatekeeper by European regulator
News / Online
Booking made gatekeeper by European regulator
By Linda Fox | May 13, 2024
Booking now meets the “relevant thresholds” as a digital gatekeeper after it submitted a self-assessment on March 1, according to a release from the commission. Read More
U.S. OTAs pass $100B revenue mark for first time
News / Distribution
U.S. OTAs pass $100B revenue mark for first time
By Phocuswright Research | May 6, 2024
As the digital landscape evolves, U.S. OTAs continue growing, with 2023 witnessing a solid yet decelerated 14% expansion in response to a stabilizing consumer demand post-pandemic. Read More
Booking Holdings beats earnings expectations, talks up AI potential
News / Online
Booking Holdings beats earnings expectations, talks up AI potential
By D.J. Catron | May 2, 2024
First quarter revenues of $4.4 billion represented a 17% increase over the same period last year, and net income of $776 million was nearly three times higher than Q1 in 2023.   Read More
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
News / Startups
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
By D.J. Catron | April 30, 2024
An Accenture survey found consumers feel less confident about booking a hotel than buying a car, and booking a flight was nearly as nerve-wracking as getting a mortgage. Read More
New Booking.com survey finds travelers feel weary, disillusioned about sustainability
News / Online
New Booking.com survey finds travelers feel weary, disillusioned about sustainability
By Mitra Sorrells | April 22, 2024
The annual global sustainability survey from Booking.com finds that while most travelers believe sustainable travel is important, 28% said they are tired of hearing about climate change. Read More
Tripadvisor blocks record 2 million fake reviews in 2023
News / Online
Tripadvisor blocks record 2 million fake reviews in 2023
By D.J. Catron | April 9, 2024
Tripadvisor’s news highlights a growing movement that includes Expedia Group and Booking.com to ensure the integrity of customer reviews that appear on their websites.   Read More
Dutch startup Stippl announces funding, plans to use generative AI
News / Startups
Dutch startup Stippl announces funding, plans to use generative AI
By Morgan Hines | April 2, 2024
“All-in-one” travel platform Stippl has received €575,000 in funding as it plans its expansion. Read More
Putting a spotlight on sustainability in the STR space
News / Online
Putting a spotlight on sustainability in the STR space
By D.J. Catron | March 28, 2024
Criticism of Booking.com's “Travel Sustainable” program by regulators in the Netherlands, and the OTA's subsequent decision to prioritize third-party certifications, highlights the need for clear,... Read More
Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
News / Online
Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
By Linda Fox | March 26, 2024
Booking.com has removed its "Travel Sustainable" badge recognizing properties for sustainability efforts following discussions with the Netherlands Consumer and Markets Authority. Read More
First Spain, now Italy investigates Booking.com for anti-competitive practices
News / Online
First Spain, now Italy investigates Booking.com for anti-competitive practices
By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2024
The Italian Competition Authority is investigating whether Booking.com's practices hinder competition and adversely affect other online travel agencies and consumers. Read More
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
News / Online
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
By D.J. Catron | March 14, 2024
While the legislation faces an uncertain future in the U.S. Senate and likely legal challenges if it becomes law, a ban could have far-reaching ramifications for travel companies. Read More
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
News / Online
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
By Mitra Sorrells | March 13, 2024
Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb and Trip.com Group collectively spent $16.8 billion on sales and marketing in 2023 as they compete with one another and with suppliers enticing travelers to book... Read More
Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe
News / Online
Booking Holdings' Fogel calls for "smart regulations" in Europe
By Linda Fox | March 6, 2024
The company has had decisions from European lawmakers go against it in recent months, from its blocked acquisition of Etraveli to the threat of being tagged a digital gatekeeper under the looming... Read More
Booking Holdings will appeal $530M fine by Spanish competition authority
News / Online
Booking Holdings will appeal $530M fine by Spanish competition authority
By Mitra Sorrells | February 22, 2024
Booking Holdings reported its fourth quarter and full year 2023 earnings late Thursday, with records across multiple financial metrics including revenue that soared 40% higher than 2019. Read More
Google under fire for proposed changes to search in Europe
News / Online
Google under fire for proposed changes to search in Europe
By Linda Fox | January 24, 2024
The search giant has been criticized for not engaging with businesses on planned changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act as well as falling short of the regulation's requirements with those... Read More
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