Utilize the input text as a context reference, choose the right relationship between hotels and Booking.com from the options. Options: product/material produced, manufacturer, distributed by, industry, position held, original broadcaster, owned by, founded by, distribution format, headquarters location, stock exchange, currency, parent organization, chief executive officer, director/manager, owner of, operator, member of, employer, chairperson, platform, subsidiary, legal form, publisher, developer, brand, business division, location of formation, creator.

The commission rates paid by hotels in Australia had long been lower than the global average of 20 per cent to 25 per cent because Wotif had charged less than Booking.com owner Priceline and Expedia did overseas.

Answer: operator