Booking (NASDAQ:BKNG) is a leading global provider of online travel and related services, operating a portfolio of consumer and business travel brands that facilitate reservations for accommodations, transportation, rental cars, and dining. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, the company serves millions of users across more than 220 markets through its principal platforms, including Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda, Rentalcars.com, Kayak and OpenTable. Booking’s offerings cater to diverse traveler needs by providing access to a wide range of lodging options—spanning hotels, vacation rentals and alternative accommodations—as well as convenient booking tools for flights, rental vehicles and restaurant reservations.
Originally launched as Priceline.com in 1996 by founder Jay S. Walker, the company pioneered the bid-for-travel model, allowing consumers to name their price for airfare and lodging. Over time, Booking Holdings evolved through acquisitions and strategic investments to broaden its services and global reach. Significant milestones include the acquisitions of Booking.com in 2005, Agoda in 2007 and OpenTable in 2014, each of which strengthened the company’s footprint in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the dining reservation segment, respectively.
Booking Holdings generates revenue primarily through service fees and commissions from hotel partners, airlines and car rental firms, leveraging its technology platform to match supply with consumer demand. The company invests in continually optimizing its search and booking algorithms, mobile applications and customer support infrastructure to enhance user experience and drive conversion rates. It also collaborates with industry stakeholders—hoteliers, property managers and restaurateurs—to provide marketing, analytics and revenue-management tools aimed at maximizing occupancy and reservations.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Glenn D. Fogel, who has been with the company since 2000 and took the helm in 2017, Booking Holdings has focused on strengthening its data-driven personalization capabilities and expanding into adjacent segments of the travel ecosystem. The executive team emphasizes a culture of innovation, global expansion and operational excellence, underscoring the company’s commitment to simplifying travel planning and delivering value to both consumers and business partners around the world.
