The CEO of Booking Holdings, Glenn Fogel, has expressed his enthusiasm at the company's encouraging results, which exceeded forecasts for the first quarter. He pointed to a positive growth outlook for the year, highlighting the high volume of summer bookings already booked, despite concerns over inflation and the risk of cancellations.

Fogel emphasised that people's desire to travel remains unchanged, even with persistent inflation. He noted that travellers are booking earlier and earlier, perhaps in anticipation of higher prices. However, with wages rising, he does not expect inflation to reduce travel spending.

He has seen renewed interest in international travel, particularly from the US to Europe. Regarding alternative accommodation, Fogel explained that Booking.com is a major player in this area, but that the majority of bookings are for leisure. Business travellers often prefer hotels for their standardisation and guarantee of a known service, whereas holidaymakers are more interested in unique accommodation offering a singular experience.

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