Booking.com is one of the world’s largest online travel and hotel booking platforms. Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, the company has since expanded its presence internationally, offering services in over 220 countries.
🌍 Key Information
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Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Part of: Booking Holdings Inc.
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Services Offered: Hotel bookings, apartments, homes, flight tickets, car rentals, excursions, and tours
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Language Support: 43 languages
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Geographic Reach: Available in over 220 countries and territories
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Number of Listings: Over 28 million listings, including more than 6.6 million unique places to stay
📈 Financial Performance (2024)
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Total Booking Volume: $166 billion (10% growth compared to the previous year)
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Number of Nights Booked: 1.1 billion nights (9% growth)
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Net Profit: $5.88 billion
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Operating Profit: $7.55 billion
🤖 Innovations and Artificial Intelligence
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The company is actively incorporating AI to enhance the user experience. In 2024, it launched AI Trip Planner and virtual assistant Penny to help users plan trips and receive personalized recommendations.
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Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, mentioned that AI could replace traditional call centers in the future, improving customer service efficiency.
🔍 Challenges and Criticism
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Competition with Airbnb: Despite offering a broader range of accommodations, including hotels and homes, Booking.com faces competition from Airbnb, particularly in the unique accommodation segment.
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Regulatory Issues: The company has faced criticism for price manipulation and booking terms, leading to fines in some countries.
📱 Mobile Apps
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Booking.com offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to book accommodations, flights, and other services on the go. The apps support 24/7 customer service and offer personalized recommendations.