Booking the Feeling: Emotion, Brand & the Connected Trip at Booking.com

Booking the Feeling: Emotion, Brand & the Connected Trip at Booking.com

Author: Kantar & Saïd Business School, Oxford University February 4, 2026 Duration: 17:00

Travel is emotional, but booking a trip often isn’t. As expectations rise, Booking.com is working to bring emotion to moments that usually feels purely functional. Convenience isn’t the only game in town.


In this episode, Jane Ostler talks with Ben Harrel, Managing Director, US at Booking.com. They discuss how the brand blends performance and long‑term storytelling to spark that Booking.yeah feeling, how creators help the brand speak authentically to different travellers, and how Gen AI is enabling more tailored and relevant communication at scale. Ben also shares a practical vision for the connected trip: a future where flights, stays, cars and attractions seamlessly work together, as well as how they can step in proactively when things go wrong, working towards a frictionless experience.


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How do you separate the fleeting trends from the fundamental shifts that will reshape business? Future Proof is a conversation built on that very question, born from a unique partnership between the rigorous academic world of Oxford University's Saïd Business School and the ground-level market intelligence of Kantar. This isn't about quick tips; it's about deeper understanding. Each episode sits down with a leading thinker or practitioner for an honest, nuanced exploration of the forces changing how brands connect with people. You'll hear discussions that cut through the noise, challenging popular assumptions with data and scholarly insight. We examine everything from the practical implications of new technology to evolving consumer behaviors, always with an eye on what it means for long-term strategy. The goal is to provide a clearer, more evidence-based perspective for leaders who want to make decisions that last. Tune in for a podcast that values substance over hype, offering a rare blend of intellectual depth and real-world application to help you think differently about marketing's future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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