Pilar Krespo serves as the regional director for Spain and Portugal at Booking. He has spent more than a decade concentrating on the metasearch engine. After earning a degree in Tourism from the University of Seville, Crespo previously led Booking Andalucía, building a strong regional foundation for the company in southern Spain.
How does 2023 look, will it continue with high demand and rising prices?
There is cautious optimism for the peak travel season. Booking.com projects solid performance, with reserves growing in the first half of the year beyond what was seen in 2019. While global and national uncertainties persist, the data currently point to a strong and rewarding season. The outlook blends confidence with prudence, acknowledging that factors like economic shifts and travel restrictions can influence results. Overall, the signals suggest positive momentum for travel demand in North America and Europe alike.
And how are the reservations for the Balearic Islands progressing?
Regional breakdown isn’t published, but the Balearic Islands are clearly a priority for both domestic and international travelers. The destination has seen more accommodations come online and growing interest from visitors, making it a consistently favored choice for bookings on the platform. The trend points toward continued strength for the islands in the near term.
They added the option “I’m looking for an entire house or apartment.” How is demand for this shift toward vacation rentals?
This category falls under what Booking calls alternative accommodation. The catalog now includes more than thirty different types of stays, from hostels and apartments to huts, campsites, and even more unusual options like igloos or treehouses. The aim is to meet traveler preferences across all travel styles and budgets. Alternative accommodations accounted for more than 33% of bookings in the first quarter, reflecting a boom. 2022 set records with approximately 11% growth over 2019 and more than 56% growth compared to 2021. Two out of three travelers who book a home through the platform return for another trip, underscoring loyalty and satisfaction within this segment.
Vacation rental arrangements can be challenging, with concerns about unlicensed listings and enforcement. How does Booking manage legal compliance and quality control?
Booking emphasizes regulated listings. All accommodations must have a valid license number, ensuring a fully compliant and safe offering. The company aims to support high-quality, sustainable tourism that serves both travelers and local communities. The approach seeks a fair balance between the well-being of residents and the experience of visitors, maintaining trust and standardization across destinations.
Are hosts fined like other platforms for noncompliance?
When regulations began to take hold, Booking worked closely with licensing authorities to understand the requirements and ensure adherence. The emphasis has been on cooperation and continuous compliance rather than punitive measures, reinforcing a transparent and open operating stance.
How does the growing emphasis on direct hotelier sales affect Booking? Historically, hoteliers have criticized commissions charged by OTAs (online travel agencies).
The value lies in adding a quality signal that boosts international visibility. Commissions are viewed as fair compensation for the distribution and exposure provided by the platform. Direct selling is recognized as a valuable channel, but all distribution methods remain valid and useful for reaching travelers wherever they begin their search.
Will more services like flights, hotels, attractions, car rentals, or taxis be added?
Booking talks about connected travel, an approach designed to expand through new services. While no specific launches are announced here, the strategy anticipates potential expansion into complementary travel services to create a more seamless booking experience that keeps travelers within a single ecosystem.
What advantages does a Dutch company bring to Spain?
The company remains Dutch-based with a global footprint, maintaining representation in many countries. Compliance with local regulations and the payment of applicable fees are core principles, reinforcing responsible, lawful operations wherever Booking operates.
Recent regulatory attention has touched on competition concerns linked to hotel and travel agency practices. How is this being handled?
The company is currently under investigation, with cooperation ongoing. Full transparency is emphasized, and the aim is to keep operations open and adaptable while providing any necessary information. No further details are disclosed until the process concludes, but the stance is one of commitment to fairness and openness throughout the inquiry.
In sustainable tourism, the latest annual report highlights the tension between cost reduction and sustainable travel. What emerges from this debate?
One clear takeaway is that travelers increasingly face choices about sustainability. A substantial majority of Spaniards, around 87%, view sustainable travel as important, and many want to keep environmental impact in mind during planning. About 73% want their purchases to protect the planet, and 41% aim to combine sustainability with budget considerations. These trends show a growing consumer emphasis on responsible travel choices and the financial practicality of greener options [Citation: Booking Sustainability Report, 2023].