Booking Holdings Inc. - BKNG STOCK NEWS

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) announced on August 9, 2021, that it will settle its 0.90% Convertible Senior Notes due in September 2021 completely in cash. This decision means that in any conversion of these notes on or after June 15, 2021, the company will pay cash instead of providing shares to bondholders. This move emphasizes the company's liquidity strategy while managing its capital structure.

OpenTable, part of Booking Holdings (BKNG), has introduced new safety features to assist restaurants and diners amid evolving COVID-19 regulations. These include updated safety precautions highlighting vaccine requirements and a Direct Messaging feature for seamless communication. Dining demand has fallen 13% in the U.S. as of August 2021 due to the Delta variant and changing mandates. Over 1,500 restaurants are already using Direct Messaging to address safety inquiries. OpenTable continues to expand its tools to support restaurants and enhance consumer confidence.

Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) will release its second quarter 2021 financial results on August 4 at 4:00 p.m. ET. A conference call will follow at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results. This information will be accessible via the company's Investor Relations website. The company offers travel services through brands like Booking.com, Priceline, and Agoda, operating in over 220 countries. Detailed financial performance metrics and future guidance may impact stock market perceptions.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced the expansion of American Forces Travel, a travel platform developed with Priceline, extending access to an additional 16 million Veterans. The initiative now serves a total of 22 million personnel, allowing military families to book discounted travel globally. Eligible users can save 40% - 60% on bookings, which also generate revenue for military quality of life programs. The MILITARY STAR card is now accepted for payments at discounted hotels. American Forces Travel aims to enhance leisure travel access for service members and their families.

Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) will hold a conference call to discuss its Q2 2021 financial results on August 4 at 4:30 p.m. ET. The event will be accessible via webcast and audio replay will be available afterward for seven days. A release with financial results will be posted on the company's Investor Relations website around 4:00 p.m. ET on the same day. Booking Holdings is a leading provider of online travel services, operating under various brands across over 220 countries.

Agoda supports Thailand's tourism revival with the launch of a dedicated landing page for the 'Phuket Sandbox' initiative, allowing fully vaccinated travelers to explore Phuket without quarantine. Searches for Phuket increased by 67% in June 2021 compared to May, with significant interest from the US, China, and South Korea. The page provides access to SHA Plus certified accommodations and travel guides. Agoda, a part of Booking Holdings (BKNG), emphasizes its global reach to facilitate travelers' needs during the reopening phase.

Priceline has announced its Fourth of July Freedom Sale, running from June 23 to July 6, 2021, offering significant discounts on flights, hotels, and rental cars. Customers can use the code FREEDOM20 for $20 off sitewide on Express Deals with a minimum spend of $120. Additionally, new customers can access exclusive loyalty benefits. The sale reflects the resurgence in travel demand, providing opportunities for affordable getaways, especially in cities such as New York and Chicago.

OfferUp has appointed Todd Dunlap as its new chief executive officer, effective July. Dunlap joins from Booking.com, where he significantly contributed to the U.S. market's growth. He is expected to enhance OfferUp's leadership, particularly in driving local recommerce as the economy rebounds post-pandemic. Co-founder Nick Huzar remains involved as the chief product officer, indicating continuity in leadership. OfferUp boasts 56 million engaged users, positioning the company for substantial growth.

OpenTable, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), has launched the Show-Up for Restaurants initiative to address the impact of no-shows and late cancellations on restaurants. Over 80% of U.S. restaurants have reopened, with diner participation nearing 90% of pre-pandemic levels. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the financial losses restaurants face due to no-shows, which can significantly affect profits. OpenTable will implement a 'four strikes' policy for habitual no-show diners and introduce a new tool to label potential no-shows based on past behavior.