Booking Holdings

A study by HES‑SO shows that 51.3% of hotel bookings in Europe are made directly, while 29.9% go through portals; in Germany 31.9% are via portals. Among portal bookings, Booking.com has a clear market share at 66.1% (69.2% in Germany), ahead of Expedia and HRS. Hoteliers criticize high commissions, earlier best‑price clauses and higher cancellation rates via Booking.com, while competition authorities have confirmed its market dominance. » More on faz.net

Booking Holdings presented itself as a growing marketplace rather than just a booking platform: about two thirds of accesses are direct, 70% of transactions run through its own payment processing, and the Genius program accounts for 30% of customers but nearly 60% of bookings. Management highlighted broader use of generative AI, which reduces customer service costs per booking by more than 10% and increases software productivity, as well as the fast-growing "Connected Trip" segment. Financially the company remains strong with over $9 billion in annual free cash flow and $7.3 billion in share buybacks in the first half of 2026. » More on de.investing.com

The EU court in Luxembourg upheld the 2023 prohibition by the European Commission that prevents Booking from taking over the flight portal E-Traveli. The judges argued that a merger would significantly impede competition in the European Economic Area and further cement Booking’s dominant market position, for example through stronger bargaining power against hotels and higher commissions. Booking had cited efficiency gains, which the court did not consider sufficient to offset the effects. The company is reviewing a possible appeal to the European Court of Justice and says the decision is wrong. » More on sueddeutsche.de