Who Owns Agoda?

Agoda was founded in 2005 by Michael Kenny and Robert Rosenstein in Thailand, originally as a hotel booking platform focused on Southeast Asian destinations. The company was created to serve the growing Asian travel market and international travelers visiting Asia, recognizing that existing global travel platforms had limited focus on Asian accommodations and preferences. This strategic focus on Asian markets differentiated Agoda from global competitors and positioned it for rapid growth in the region. The founders' vision of creating a platform specifically tailored to Asian travel needs proved prescient as the region's travel industry experienced explosive growth.

In 2007, Booking Holdings (then Priceline.com) acquired Agoda, recognizing the potential of the Asian travel market and Agoda's strong regional presence. Following the acquisition, Agoda moved its headquarters to Singapore and expanded rapidly across Asia. The acquisition provided Agoda with significant capital and resources to accelerate growth while maintaining its focus on Asian markets. This strategic partnership enabled Agoda to leverage Booking Holdings' technology infrastructure while preserving its specialized expertise in Asian travel. The acquisition demonstrated Booking Holdings' recognition of the strategic importance of Asian markets and the value of specialized regional expertise.

Throughout the late 2000s and 2010s, Agoda grew to become one of the leading hotel booking platforms in Asia, adding millions of properties and expanding into flights, vacation packages, and other travel services. The brand developed specialized features for Asian markets, including local payment methods, mobile-first approaches, and support for Asian languages. Agoda's growth was particularly strong in Southeast Asia, where it became the market leader in hotel bookings, demonstrating the effectiveness of its regional focus and localized approach. This rapid growth established Agoda as a dominant player in the Asian online travel agency market.

In the 2020s, Agoda continued to expand globally while maintaining its strong Asian focus. The platform expanded into new markets, added new services including alternative accommodations and experiences, and invested heavily in technology and customer service. The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for the travel industry, but Agoda adapted by expanding its offerings and supporting both travelers and property owners during the recovery period. This adaptation demonstrated Agoda's resilience and ability to serve evolving travel needs while maintaining its competitive position in the Asian travel market. The company's ability to navigate the pandemic crisis showcased its operational flexibility and commitment to serving both customers and partners during challenging times.