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The Logan Bartlett Show

EP 125: Glenn Fogel (CEO, Booking Holdings) Building a $170B Travel Empire: On AI, Acquisitions, and Shaping Travel’s Future

Dec 6, 2024
Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, shares insights on building a $170 billion travel empire, drawing from his finance and tech background. He discusses the resilience of the travel industry through past crises like 9/11, the evolution of pricing models, and the strategic acquisitions of brands like Booking.com. Fogel emphasizes AI’s transformative role in enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, while navigating the challenges of mergers and acquisitions in a complex regulatory landscape. He also reflects on post-pandemic travel trends and the balance between leisure and business travel.
01:17:33

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Booking Holdings' strategic acquisitions, like Booking.com, have been pivotal in establishing its dominance and expanding market share in the travel industry.
  • The integration of artificial intelligence, such as the AI Trip Planner, is revolutionizing customer experience by personalizing travel recommendations and improving service efficiency.

Deep dives

Growth and Challenges of Booking Holdings

Booking Holdings has evolved into a major player in the travel industry with a market valuation exceeding $170 billion, largely driven by its flagship brand, Booking.com. The company has navigated numerous challenges over the years, including natural disasters, economic downturns, and global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, its strategic acquisitions and international expansion have been key factors in its growth, allowing it to capture significant market share. For instance, Booking.com alone accounts for approximately 90% of the company's revenue, showcasing the brand's dominance in the travel market.

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