A Brief History of Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG)

Booking Holdings Inc., originally known as The Priceline Group Inc., is a leading player in the online travel and related services sector. The company has undergone significant changes and growth since its inception.

The company was founded in 1997 by Jay S. Walker under the name Priceline.com. Priceline gained substantial attention and popularity with its "Name Your Own Price" bidding model, which allowed consumers to bid for travel services such as airline tickets and hotel stays.

Over the years, Booking Holdings has acquired several companies, expanding its reach in the travel industry. Here are some key acquisitions and milestones:

• 2005: Acquisition of Booking.com - This strategic purchase helped Priceline enter the European market and provided a platform for global expansion.
• 2007: Acquisition of Agoda - Based in Asia, this acquisition further solidified Priceline’s presence in the global travel market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
• 2013: Acquisition of Kayak - This meta-search engine for travel allowed Priceline to offer a comprehensive comparison tool for travelers seeking the best deals.
• 2014: Acquisition of OpenTable - Entering the restaurant reservation market, this purchase diversifies Priceline’s service offerings beyond travel.
• 2017: Rebranding to Booking Holdings Inc. - Reflecting its global presence and extensive portfolio, the company rebranded itself, adopting the name of its most successful subsidiary, Booking.com.

Through these strategic moves and continued innovation, Booking Holdings Inc. has established itself as a dominant force in the online travel industry, offering a wide range of services from hotel reservations to restaurant bookings.

Who Owns Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG)

Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), a leading player in the global online travel and related services sector, is owned by a diverse group of stakeholders. Here are the primary categories of owners:

• Institutional Investors: A significant portion of BKNG's shares is held by institutional investors. These include mutual funds, pension funds, and insurance companies.
• Top Shareholders: The top institutional shareholders include:
  • Vanguard Group
  • BlackRock
  • Fidelity (FMR LLC)
• Corporate Insiders: Executives, directors, and other corporate insiders also own a portion of BKNG shares. These individuals often acquire their shares through stock option plans and other compensatory mechanisms.
• Retail Investors: Many individual retail investors also hold shares of BKNG. While their collective ownership might not be as substantial as institutional investors, they form an essential part of the shareholder base.

These owners play crucial roles in the governance and strategic direction of Booking Holdings Inc., impacting decisions ranging from executive appointments to major business initiatives.

Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) Mission Statement

Booking Holdings Inc. is a leading provider of online travel and related services. The company aims to make it easier for everyone to experience the world by providing the best possible travel solutions at the best value. The mission of Booking Holdings Inc. is centered around a few key principles:

• Empowering People to Experience the World: The company strives to offer a seamless and enriching travel experience by connecting travelers with the world's largest selection of incredible places to stay.
• Customer Focus: At the heart of their mission is an unwavering commitment to their customers. They prioritize customer service, ensuring that travelers have a hassle-free experience from booking to the completion of their journey.
• Innovation: Booking Holdings Inc. embraces cutting-edge technology and innovation to continually improve their services, making travel planning simpler and more efficient.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, can enjoy the benefits of travel.
• Sustainability: Recognizing the impact of travel on the planet, Booking Holdings Inc. is committed to promoting sustainable travel practices that protect and preserve the environments and communities travelers visit.

Overall, the mission of Booking Holdings Inc. reflects their dedication to customer satisfaction, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, all aimed at making travel a more accessible and rewarding experience for everyone.

How Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) Works

Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) is a global leader in online travel and related services. The company operates several well-known brands, including Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, Kayak, Rentalcars.com, and OpenTable. These brands work synergistically to offer a comprehensive range of travel-related services to customers worldwide.

Core Business Model

Booking Holdings Inc. operates on a commission-based model. This means that when a customer books a service through one of their platforms, a percentage of the transaction is earned as a commission. The company provides a platform where travelers can compare prices, select options, and make reservations for various travel-related services.

• Accommodation Booking: Through Booking.com and Agoda, customers can book hotels, hostels, apartments, and other types of accommodation. These platforms offer extensive search filters, reviews, and ratings to help users make informed decisions.
• Flight Reservations: Priceline and Kayak offer flight booking services, allowing users to compare prices from different airlines and choose the best options.
• Car Rentals: Rentalcars.com allows customers to book rental cars from various providers. The platform offers a wide range of vehicle options and price comparisons.
• Dining Reservations: OpenTable enables users to make restaurant reservations and read reviews. It covers a wide array of dining options from casual eateries to high-end restaurants.

Technology and Data-Driven Insights

Booking Holdings Inc. invests heavily in technology to enhance user experience and streamline operations. The company uses advanced algorithms and data analytics to provide personalized recommendations and dynamic pricing. This not only helps in maximizing revenue but also ensures customer satisfaction by offering tailored options.

Global Reach and Local Expertise

One of the key strengths of Booking Holdings Inc. is its global presence combined with local expertise. With operations in over 220 countries and territories, the company has a deep understanding of local markets and consumer preferences. This allows them to offer localized services and support, making the booking process seamless for users from different regions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

To expand their offerings and enhance service quality, Booking Holdings Inc. engages in various partnerships and collaborations. They work with airlines, hotel chains, car rental agencies, and other service providers to ensure a wide range of options for their customers. These partnerships also help in securing better deals and exclusive offers, adding value for users.

How Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) Makes Money

Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) is a global leader in online travel and related services. It operates a variety of platforms that cater to different aspects of the travel experience. The company generates its revenue through multiple streams. The most significant ways BKNG makes money include:

• Agency Model: Under this model, Booking Holdings acts as an intermediary between travel service providers and customers. The company earns a commission on each booking made through its platform. This is particularly common with hotel reservations and car rentals.
• Merchant Model: In this model, BKNG purchases travel services (such as hotel rooms) in bulk and resells them to customers at a markup. The difference between the wholesale price and the retail price is the company’s profit.
• Advertising Revenue: Booking Holdings also makes money through advertising. Travel service providers pay a fee to have their services featured more prominently on the company's platforms, increasing their visibility to potential customers.
• Subscription Fees: Some of the company's platforms offer premium services or memberships for a fee. These subscriptions provide additional features and benefits to users, creating another revenue stream for BKNG.
• Travel Insurance: Booking Holdings offers travel insurance as an add-on service during the booking process. When customers purchase travel insurance through BKNG’s platforms, the company earns a commission from the insurance providers.
• New Ventures and Investments: The company continuously explores new business opportunities and investments that can add to its revenue streams. These ventures can range from investing in new technologies to acquiring other travel-related businesses.

Overall, Booking Holdings Inc. leverages its extensive portfolio of travel brands to create multiple revenue streams, reducing its dependency on any single source of income. This diversified approach helps the company maintain financial stability and growth in the competitive travel industry.