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.

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
5 truths for travel marketers: 2024 update
Opinion / Technology
5 truths for travel marketers: 2024 update
By Jared Alster - Dune7 | January 23, 2024
Generative AI is both friend and foe for travel marketers, and Google remains the dominant search player. Read on as Dune7's Jared Alster updates on the travel marketing truths he laid down in 2023. Read More
European regulators eye Booking.com under Digital Services Act
News / Online
European regulators eye Booking.com under Digital Services Act
By Linda Fox | January 18, 2024
The European Commission has asked Booking.com and others for information as it determines whether the companies are complying with rules of the Digital Services Act that went into effect in November. Read More
The most popular news stories on PhocusWire in 2023
News / Technology
The most popular news stories on PhocusWire in 2023
By PhocusWire | December 15, 2023
ChatGPT, the Hot 25 Travel Startups and news about major players like Expedia Group and Airbnb dominated the rankings.   Read More
Bookings Holdings names new CFO to replace retiring Goulden
News / Online
Bookings Holdings names new CFO to replace retiring Goulden
By Mitra Sorrells | December 13, 2023
Ewout Steenbergen will join the company in March as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He was most recently at S&P Global. Read More
ChatGPT, travel data, OTAs: PhocusWire’s top opinion stories of 2023
News / Online
ChatGPT, travel data, OTAs: PhocusWire’s top opinion stories of 2023
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2023
This year's popular op-eds were heavy on AI and also covered TikTok and Instagram influencers and the loyalty strategies of Expedia, Booking, Hopper and Airbnb. Read More
Layla launches, receives €3M in seed funding
News / Startups
Layla launches, receives €3M in seed funding
By Morgan Hines | November 30, 2023
The new app is an artificial intelligence-driven travel advisor that is meant to help users plan trips and book seamlessly. Read More
Hopper’s Lalonde talks profits, Expedia split, Booking.com competition
News / Online
Hopper’s Lalonde talks profits, Expedia split, Booking.com competition
By Derek Catron | November 29, 2023
In a far-ranging interview at The Phocuswright Conference, Lalonde also spoke of Hopper’s layoffs and his “hacker” approach to business. Read More
European lawmakers agree on registration system for short-term rental hosts and platforms
News / Distribution
European lawmakers agree on registration system for short-term rental hosts and platforms
By Linda Fox | November 16, 2023
As a first step towards shaking short-term rentals rules across Europe, lawmakers have agreed on draft regulation for a registration system and data sharing. Read More
Expedia Group, Booking on coming together with “one voice” to support short-term rentals
News / Distribution
Expedia Group, Booking on coming together with “one voice” to support short-term rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | November 13, 2023
Expedia Group's Tim Rosolio and Booking.com's Ben Harrell spoke about working together to address regulatory challenges, the benefits that Google provides to the sector and strategies to drive more... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026