Booking Holdings CEO on AI, Acquisitions, and Shaping Travel’s Future

In this episode of the podcast, Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, shares insights into the company’s remarkable journey to becoming a $170 billion powerhouse. Fogel discusses the company's history, including its aggressive acquisition strategy—most notably, buying Booking.com, which now brings in 90% of its revenue. He also reflects on the significant challenges the company has faced, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics, and how they’ve adapted. Looking ahead, Fogel emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing customer service and personalizing travel experiences, effectively revitalizing the human touch of travel agents. Listeners will discover the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, the influence of technology on the travel sector, and the hurdles of navigating global regulations.