How the Biggest Online Travel Agencies are Driving Business Travel in 2025
Booking a trip used to mean spending hours on the phone with travel agents, flipping through brochures, and hoping for the best. Now, of course, you can book flights, hotels, and car rentals with a few clicks — and your trip comes all wrapped up with a digital bow.
For this, we can thank Online travel agencies (OTAs), which have completely reshaped how we plan and book travel by offering easy access to everything from last-minute getaways to complex itineraries.
But as OTAs have grown, so have the choices. The biggest online travel agencies dominate the market with competitive pricing, global reach, and 24/7 accessibility. While they’ve transformed travel booking, the sheer number of options can make it harder to know which platform is right for your needs.
So, which OTAs are leading the charge? Let’s break down the biggest names in the industry.
What Are Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)?
Online travel agencies (OTAs) are digital platforms where travelers can research, compare, and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages all in one place. OTAs act as intermediaries between consumers and travel service providers.
OTAs have long been popular with consumers and business travelers alike, for their convenience, control, and cost transparency. Unlike traditional agencies, OTAs provide instant access to vast travel inventories, dynamic pricing, and self-service tools. Their digital-first approach allows travelers to compare options and book trips with just a few clicks.
However, OTAs aren’t always built with corporate travel policies in mind. While they offer flexibility, they often lack features like policy enforcement, real-time spend tracking, and automated approvals — elements businesses need to control travel costs. That’s why many companies rely on travel management solutions, which combine the ease of an OTA with compliance tools designed for business success.
The Top 10 Biggest Online Travel Agencies in 2025
The online travel agency (OTA) market has evolved rapidly, shaped by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. In 2025, a handful of dominant players continue to set the pace, offering extensive services and innovative features. Here’s a look at the top 10 OTAs leading the industry.
1. Booking.com
- Extensive inventory across accommodations, flights, and car rentals
- Strong global presence in 225+ countries
- Intuitive platform with personalized recommendations
2. Expedia Group
- Wide selection across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo
- Real-time price comparisons and flexible payment options
3. Airbnb
- Unique, peer-to-peer short-term rentals
- Available in 220+ countries
- Personalized travel experiences
4. TripAdvisor
- Trusted reviews and rankings help travelers make informed decisions
- Strong community engagement
- Integrated booking options
5. Agoda
- Strong presence in Asia-Pacific with numerous properties
- Budget-friendly pricing
6. Priceline
- Part of Booking Holdings, it boasts a strong travel network
- AI-powered booking tools enhance the user experience
7. Kayak
- Aggregates travel deals across multiple OTAs, airlines, and hotels
- Revenue model based on ads and referrals rather than direct bookings
8. Hopper
- AI-driven features like price alerts and price freeze
- Budget-friendly booking options
- Virtual travel assistant (MILO) enhances the user experience
9. Orbitz
- Part of Expedia Group, Orbitz benefits from its extensive network
- Rewards program offers perks and discounts to loyal travelers
10. Ctrip (Trip.com Group)
- Dominates the Chinese OTA market
- Offers a diverse range of travel services
Why Travelers Choose the Biggest Online Travel Agencies
Travel planning used to mean juggling a dozen tabs and deciphering hotel websites. Now, OTAs can do the heavy lifting.
Some OTAs offer everything in one spot: flights, hotels, car rentals — even unique properties like treehouses. Fortunately, filters make it easy to find exactly what you need. Secure payments, verified reviews, and 24/7 customer support mean no one wires money to a mystery host and hopes for the best. Add in loyalty perks, and it’s no wonder travelers keep coming back.
How to Choose the Best OTA for Your Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for travel booking. Whether hunting for a bargain or searching for the perfect getaway spot, choosing the right agency depends on priorities. Here’s how to evaluate options and find the OTA that fits your needs.
First, set your priorities. For the best price, choose OTAs with competitive rates and easy comparisons. Prefer booking with confidence? Look for platforms with strong reviews. For more unique stays, some OTAs specialize in off-the-beaten-path experiences such as remote yurts and lakeside cabins.
Next, focus on usability and support. A simple interface streamlines booking, so choose platforms with intuitive navigation. And because reliable support should never be an afterthought, opt for OTAs with 24/7 help via chat, hotlines, or help centers.
Navan hotel search results in Paris
Lastly, check the cancellation policies and loyalty programs. Flexibility is crucial in travel, so look for OTAs with generous cancellation policies. Frequent travelers should also take advantage of loyalty programs that offer rewards like discounts, upgrades, or travel miles.
Benefits of Using OTAs for Businesses
OTAs simplify business travel by allowing employees to reserve flights, hotels, and rentals from a single platform. This helps safeguard policy compliance and reduce the hassle of travel coordination.
Some agencies provide expense tracking with centralized invoicing and reporting that streamlines financial management. Additionally, businesses benefit from exclusive discounts, loyalty programs, and personalized travel solutions.
Meet Navan
Navan’s capabilities go far beyond any standalone OTA to simplify every part of the business travel process. This all-in-one super app allows travelers to browse, book and manage trips — then seamlessly handle the resulting expenses — all in one place. Plus, with personalized features that cater to each business’s needs, Navan offers tailored options and exclusive negotiated rates. Add in its rewards program and round-the-clock support, and it’s perfect for all travel and expense management needs so that teams can focus on being there, not getting there.
FAQ - Biggest Online Travel Agencies
Final Thoughts
While online travel agencies make travel planning easier by centralizing flights, hotels, and car rentals, they still leave gaps — especially for businesses that need more than just booking convenience. Managing travel at scale should also include seamless invoicing, built-in expense management, and real-time visibility for managers and admins, which traditional OTAs simply don’t provide.
That’s where Navan comes in. Navan combines a comprehensive inventory, competitive rates, and easy booking with all the corporate must-haves, like automated expense reconciliation, 24/7 global support, and exclusive deals, including NDC fares. With Navan, companies get a single, robust platform that turns business travel from a fragmented process into a streamlined, cost-effective experience.
Ready to try an option that goes beyond traditional OTA services? Try Navan today.
This content is for informational purposes only. It doesn't necessarily reflect the views of Navan and should not be construed as legal, tax, benefits, financial, accounting, or other advice. If you need specific advice for your business, please consult with an expert, as rules and regulations change regularly.