What a week she has been watching the horrific events in Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Ukraine or with family in Ukraine.
Fourth Quarter Earnings Reservation Invitation
(“Glen Vogel, CEO of Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) Q4 2021 – Earnings Call Text,” February 23, 2022 via Alpha Search)
As promised, for those of you interested, a copy of Booking Holdings’ recent earnings call is attached.
Traces of Egencia’s Recent Acquisition Begin to See in Amex GBT
(“Egencia adds Amex GBT airfares to booking platform,” March 2, 2022 via Business Travel News – Top Stories)
Egencia has announced that discount airfares previously available to customers through Amex GBT are now available to users of the Egencia platform. Just a friendly reminder that as distribution channels and platforms continue to evolve (through mergers, acquisitions, and other activities), one can never be sure where their inventory will appear.
Uber is seeking superior application status
(“Uber gets closer to super app, adds experience bookings,” March 2, 2022 via Phocus Wire)
With Dara Khosrowshahi at the helm of the company, is it any surprise that Uber has announced plans to diversify its offering by adding events and activities? The new functionality, called Uber Explore, allows users of the trip calling app to review, book and pay for activities in several categories – food and drink, nightlife, art and culture, etc. Users can not only purchase tickets for activities on the app, but also request a ride directly to the activity’s location or venue. Uber Explore now operates in 14 markets in the United States and Mexico.
Expedia Group is now IHG’s preferred distributor
(“Expedia Group and IHG Hotels & Resorts Enter Preferred Partnership for Optimal Distribution,” March 1, 2022 via Hospitality Net – industry latest news)
After months of rumors about InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) seeking a wholesale/redistribution deal with Expedia (part of the “everyone does it” narrative that I often hear), the parties finally made it official with an announcement last week. According to reports from Skift, IHG is now the second major chain to join the programme. Notably, the Expedia ad refers to Expedia’s role as the “preferred” or “primary” distributor of IHG prices and stock, not the “exclusive” distributor.
Expedia was among the first to take a stand against Russian aggression
(“Expedia has stopped online travel to offer flights to Russia,” March 2, 2022 via Skift Travel News)
Roaring applause for Expedia. Although the move to halt its Russian sales was largely symbolic, Expedia’s decision to stop offering travel to and from Russia was the first in the online travel world. While many industry members have since pulled out over the past few days (in particular, Booking Holdings was among the last), Expedia’s early decision sent a powerful message across the industry. Those who wish to continue serving the Russian market may soon find themselves shunned regardless, as the Russian currency continues to decline and rumors circulate that Russia may impose martial law.
Other news:
Ryanair collaborates with Booking.com
27 February 2022 via Times of Malta
Ryanair has announced a partnership with online hotel reservation company Booking.com, so that customers can organize flights and accommodations through the airline’s website. Over 550,000 hotels and accommodations in 209 countries are available to book either at the time of flight selection or directly through Ryanair.com at any time.
