Booking Holdings grows revenue 8% as AI enhances travel payments and customer service

Booking Holdings reported an 8% revenue increase to $7.35 billion in Q2 2026, driven by a 9% rise in gross bookings to $51 billion. The company is leveraging AI to improve customer service, supplier communication, and payment processes, aiming to coordinate entire travel journeys beyond simple bookings. Merchant platform bookings now represent 73% of total gross bookings, reflecting greater control over transactions and customer experience. Booking Holdings maintains its forecast for strong revenue and earnings growth amid resilient travel demand despite global uncertainties.