OpenTable Launches Marketplace for Easier Group Dining Bookings

• OpenTable introduces a marketplace to streamline the booking of private and group dining, aiming to save diners time and increase restaurant profits.
• The platform features a user-friendly city discovery page, instant booking, and transparent pricing to enhance the dining planning experience.
• Consumer trends show a preference for restaurant-hosted group dinners, with a willingness to spend more on private dining experiences.

OpenTable, a subsidiary of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), has introduced a groundbreaking marketplace to simplify booking private and group dining experiences. This platform aims to make the process easier for diners and more profitable for restaurants. By consolidating the steps into a single hub, OpenTable enhances the dining planning experience, benefiting both parties involved.

A survey by OpenTable reveals that U.S. consumers spend an average of 17 hours booking venues for private dining. The new marketplace addresses this by offering a user-friendly city discovery page. Diners can compare private dining options with transparent pricing and details, reducing the complexity that led 42% of respondents to abandon bookings. This innovation aligns with the company's goal to streamline the dining experience.

The platform's instant booking feature allows diners to secure reservations quickly, viewing real-time availability. This is expected to generate more large booking leads for restaurants, boosting their revenue. Amy Wei, COO of OpenTable, highlights the marketplace's role in connecting diners with suitable venues while helping restaurants utilize private dining spaces effectively.

The survey also indicates a shift in consumer preferences, with 72% of respondents favoring restaurant-hosted group dinners over home gatherings. Additionally, 66% are willing to spend more per person for private dining. This trend presents significant opportunities for the restaurant industry, as more consumers opt for dining out for events like birthdays and corporate gatherings.

On the financial side, Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) shows a current stock price of $5,518.60, reflecting a 0.80% increase. The stock has traded between $5,446.46 and $5,534.46 today, with a market capitalization of approximately $178.9 billion. CEO Glenn D. Fogel recently sold 49 shares at $5,437.04 each, retaining 24,571 shares, as highlighted by recent trading data.