Over the last couple of days, you may have received an email from Booking.com, stating that, starting from 2 December, you’ll “gain access to a larger audience as your Genius rates will be offered to the most frequent travelers across other companies within the Booking Holdings family.”

According to the company-formerly-known-as-Priceline, the new feature is “an effective way to increase your visibility and bookings with a similar audience.”

The email explains that the absence of an active response from the hotels will be considered as “silent consent.” “If you’re happy to extend your Genius rates to this new group of customers,” the email continues, “there is no further action required.”

As this could be an open highway for even more rate leakage (you may want to read my point of view on the subject here and here), make sure that, if you’re not happy with the new Genius policy, you disable the feature. Oddly, the link provided by Booking.com redirects to a 404 error page:
1. Log into your Booking.com extranet;
2. Click on Analytics > Genius report > Manage your audience
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on You’re gaining access to a wider audience > Opt-out

If you’re still concerned about your opaque rates to be sold via booking.basic or on third-parties (and that, Extended Genius or not, it’s very likely already the case), install a VPN and search for your property on different Countries and different channels, making sure you cover all of Booking Holdings primary brands: Booking.com, Priceline, and Agoda. Take screenshots and get in touch with your Account Manager.

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