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Travel Daily News
14-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Booking.com Barometer 2025: European accommodation sector confident
Specialized staffing and upskilling challenges persist With an operationally busy period ahead, hiring needs are front of mind. On average, European hotels plan to hire 3.59 employees over the next 12 months. This number varies significantly between independent and chain hotels. Independent hotels plan to hire 2.72 employees, while for chain hotels the number rises to 5.85. According to the research, while respondents indicated that relatively low-skilled, seasonal roles are easier to fill, the opposite is true for hiring skilled senior roles (e.g. general management, sales, marketing). High salary expectations (56%) and challenges with work-life balance (52%) in the industry were noted as the largest barriers contributing to the challenge of finding staff. 47% also cited a lack of necessary skills or experience as a significant barrier to successful recruiting. Taking a risk on under qualified or less experienced candidates is equally unappealing due to the high costs associated with training and upskilling initiatives – a hurdle shared by all property sizes, as well as a lack of managerial capacity to oversee them. Across Europe, the skills gap hits particularly hard for small and independent accommodations, which lack the training resources available to chains. In fact, 17% of all independent properties do not offer any training at all while the same is true for only 2% of chain properties. Additionally, while chains are more likely to work with external training providers (49%), as well as offer online training programs (42%), the contrast is stark for independent businesses (29% and 24%, respectively). Digital technology and AI adoption – a growing digital divide Many European accommodations recognize the potential benefits of AI for their business, particularly in the areas of marketing (66%), customer service (63%) and revenue management (61%). But challenges continue to hamper adoption, with three in five citing high implementation costs (61%) and integration complexity (58%) revealed as the biggest obstacles.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sophisticated Booking.com scam targeting holidaymakers could leave you £1,000s out of pocket – 3 urgent warning signs
HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned about a scam that has already cost victims £370,000. Fraudsters are hacking hotel accounts on the platform and sending fake messages or emails that look legitimate. 2 This often happens when hotel staff accidentally click on a malicious link in an email, giving criminals access to the hotel's account on the platform. Once inside, scammers send messages to customers claiming payment details need to be verified or that a card has been declined. They then trick holidaymakers into entering their banking details via fraudulent links. Action Fraud has received over 500 reports of the scam between June 2023 and September 2024, with victims collectively losing £370,000 – or £700 per person. Customers have shared their close calls with the scam on X (formerly Twitter). One showed a message directly through their app which read: "Dear [XXX], we need you confirmation. "Your reservation and the details you entered are still pending. If you don't verify and complete everything within the next six hours, your booking will be automatically cancelled - no exceptions." The customers is then directed to click on a rogue link in the message chain to "confirm and finalize" their trip - even though it's already paid for. Consumer rights expert Martyn James said: "If you get a message from a hotel or host through or an email asking for your card details, ignore it. "Only go through your portal on the website to confirm payment details. Major warning over emergency social welfare scam texts as thousands could be targeted "Do not send money via links and never pay with bank transfers or PayPal 's 'friends and family' option." said its security hasn't been hacked, but scammers may have accessed the IT systems of some hotels listed on its site. A spokesperson added: "Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of online scams targeting many businesses operating in the e-commerce space. "With the rise of AI, cybercriminals are able to create increasingly sophisticated scams." If you get a message on asking for payment, contact your hotel, airline, or service provider directly to make sure it's real. Meanwhile, another scam targeting holidaymakers uses fake websites to trick people into downloading harmful files that give criminals control of their devices. HP Wolf Security says scammers send emails with links to these fake sites. When visitors click "accept" on the cookie pop-up, the malicious file is downloaded. Hotel booking scam cost me £800 By Laura Purkess CYBER scammers are impersonating hotels to steal holidaymakers' cash. Crooks swiped more than £15million from travellers through a range of rackets over the year to April, Action Fraud revealed. Recently, grifters have been messaging customers who have reserved hotels via travel website The website said its own security had not been breached, but confirmed that a number of the venues it lists have had their IT systems compromised by con artists. This can happen if a member of the hotel's staff mistakenly clicks on a link in an email sent by criminals, who can then log into the hotel's account on the booking site and message customers directly. Student Viktoria Tkach was duped into paying nearly £800 in one such scam. The 21 year-old, of Greenwich in South East London, had booked a trip to Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, with mum Natalie, 50, in February. A week before departure, Viktoria got a message, apparently from the hotel, saying she must pay £791 towards her stay or the reservation would be cancelled. She said: 'Because the message appeared in my account and looked so official, I felt like I had to follow orders.' It wasn't until Viktoria and her mum got to the hotel that she realised she had been scammed as the receptionist told her the full £937 for their 11-night break still had to be paid. She felt she had no choice but to fork out a second time. Viktoria fought for five months to get her money back, but the hotel and her bank all refused. It was only when Sun Money stepped in that agreed to a refund. A website spokesperson said: 'While there has not been a security breach on we are aware some of our accommodation partners were targeted by phishing messages, which compromised their internal systems. 'We take safety and security very seriously and were sorry to hear about Viktoria's experience. This is not the level of service we strive to provide.' It has now refunded Viktoria's money with an extra goodwill payment. Sun Money journalist Mel Hunter was targeted by a similar scam when she booked a holiday in Faro, Portugal, this month. 'The fact the message appeared in my account made it so convincing,' she revealed. 'Thankfully I smelled a rat, but the hotel told me other guests had lost money.' said it is supporting its hotel partners with training and guidance. How to report scams If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible. There is no guarantee you'll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account. You can forward scam emails to report@ If you notice a website that doesn't look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number. You can do this online by visiting or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting or calling 0808 223 1133. Action Fraud's advice on holiday fraud THINIKNG about booking a holiday this year? Follow our top tips to avoid falling victim to holiday fraud DO YOUR RESEARCH: Before committing and booking your dream holiday, make sure that you do a thorough online search to ensure the company is credible. PAY SAFELY: If you have a credit card, use it when shopping online. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases. LOOK FOR LOGOS: Check if a travel company is an ABTA, the Travel Association, member or an ATOL holder. Look for the ABTA logo on the company's website. If you have any doubts, you can verify their membership of ABTA online on their website. If you're booking a flight as part of a package holiday and want to find out more information about ATOL protection, visit the ATOL website. STAY SAFE ONLINE: Use three random words to create a strong email password that's different from all your other passwords. If two-step verification is available, always enable it. WATCH FOR SUSPICIOUS MESSAGES: Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages offering unrealistic holiday deals. If you receive a suspicious email, report it by forwarding it to: report@ PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION: Only fill in the mandatory details on a website when making a purchase. If possible, don't create an account for the online store when making your payment. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: Be sceptical of unrealistic holiday deals. If they sound too good to be true, they probably are. Exercise caution and research before making a purchase.
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Holidaymakers warned over Booking.com holiday scam that could lose you THOUSANDS
Tourists have been urged to be on their guard for a scam that preys on users – that could see them lose thousands. With the school holidays just around the corner, many Brits will have booked a summer getaway. But experts have warned that scammers using the platform are targeting holidaymakers by sending false messages and emails from hotel accounts. As the messages look legitimate and appear to have come through many tourists are then tricked in to sending payments to the scammers. Action Fraud says it received 532 reports of the scam between June 2023 and September 2024 from individuals who had lost a total of £370,000. The fraud centre thinks that scammers are taking over hotel accounts and then sending messages to unsuspecting consumers via WhatsApp, email and through the app. The messages falsely inform the holidaymaker that their card has been declined or that their payment details need to be verified. The scammers then ask holidaymakers to enter their banking details via a false link which is used to steal money. When customers access the webpage, they are encouraged to 'accept' cookies to view the page. Once they do so, malicious files are downloaded to their computer Another scam uses bogus websites. Victims are sent a fake link over email. When customers access the webpage, they are encouraged to 'accept' cookies to view the page. Once they do so, malicious files are downloaded to their computer. Adam Mercer, deputy head of Action Fraud, says: 'With more than 500 reports made to Action Fraud, those who have booked a holiday on the platform should stay alert to any unexpected emails or messages from a hotel using the platform, as their account could have been taken over by a criminal. 'If you receive an unexpected request from a hotel's account you booked with using asking for bank details or credit card details, it could be a fraudster trying to trick you into parting ways with your money.' Action Fraud recommends contacting or your hotel directly if you have concerns about a message you've received. told MailOnline: 'Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of online scams targeting many businesses operating in the e-commerce space. 'With the rise of AI, cybercriminals are able to create increasingly sophisticated scams. Thankfully, with our continual investment in cybersecurity technology, actual incidents on our platform are rare.' tips to avoid scams Protect personal information: Never share sensitive details such as credit card numbers via email, text, chat, or phone. Stay vigilant: If a payment request seems suspicious, always double-check the property's payment policies listed on the booking page or in your confirmation email. If there is no pre-payment policy or deposit requirement outlined, but you're asked to pay in advance to secure your booking, it is likely a scam. When in doubt, contact our 24/7 Customer Service team for support. Avoid suspicious links: Scam messages often include urgent language and may contain spelling or grammar errors. Familiarising yourself with common cybercriminal tactics can help you spot potential threats. Verify directly: When unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact the property provider or our customer support directly. Enable two-factor authentication: As an additional security measure to protect your account. For additional tips and resources on staying safe online, visit the Safety Resource Centre.
The Guardian
29-06-2025
- The Guardian
‘Your reservation is at risk': beware the Booking.com scam
You've booked the hotel and you're starting to look forward to your break when you get a message telling you to make a payment, or give your credit card details, to secure your holiday. It's come through the app, or in an email that looks legitimate, so you get out your credit card in panic and pay. As the summer holidays get into full swing many of us are primed to hear from travel providers – making it open season for scammers. One of many holiday-related frauds preys on customers who have booked somewhere to stay via the platform either via its website or app. In the UK, Action Fraud received 532 reports of the scam between June 2023 and September 2024, with victims losing a total of £370,000. It says that it is likely hackers are using phishing attacks against accommodation providers and then using the details to contact customers – sometimes via WhatsApp but often through the real platform. This means the usual things to look out for – odd email addresses, or texts, may not apply. Cases seen by Guardian Money have typically involved the theft of several hundred pounds. The global nature of the platform means it can happen to you wherever in the world you live, or plan to holiday. Regulators in countries including Australia have warned of the issue. said: 'Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of online scams targeting many businesses operating in the e-commerce space. With the rise of AI, cybercriminals are able to create increasingly sophisticated scams.' It said continually invested in cybersecurity technology, and incidents on the platform were rare. The message may say that your payment details need to be verified, or that there has been a problem with your card. It will try to make you panic by telling you your accommodation will be cancelled if you don't respond – it will probably give you a deadline to act by – usually a few hours away. There will be a link in the message for you to click on to give your card details. A separate scam also preying on would-be holidaymakers involves fake web pages which are used to trick people into downloading a malicious file that gives criminals full control of your device. The technology firm HP Wolf Security says scammers are emailing links to the pages and visitors are asked to accept cookies before they can see the full site – it is when they press 'accept' that the file downloads. A payment, or credit card details which the scammers say will just be used to pre-authorise or verify the card before your stay. They then charge it. Try not to panic about your holiday and don't respond until you've checked the message is genuine. advises: 'Always double-check the property's payment policies listed on the booking page or in your confirmation email. If there is no pre-payment policy or deposit requirement outlined, but you're asked to pay in advance to secure your booking, it is likely a scam.' If you are in doubt, contact customer service team and/or the accommodation provider directly. Be suspicious of any links you are sent. Genuine payments will be made on the app or website – you won't be sent to another site. Look out for common fraud tactics and giveaways. 'Scam messages often include urgent language and may contain spelling or grammar errors,' says. If you have put your card details into a site, call your card provider. You may need to block or cancel your card. also advises enabling two-factor authorisation on your account
The Guardian
29-06-2025
- The Guardian
‘Your reservation is at risk': beware the Booking.com scam
You've booked the hotel and you're starting to look forward to your break when you get a message telling you to make a payment, or give your credit card details, to secure your holiday. It's come through the app, or in an email that looks legitimate, so you get out your credit card in panic and pay. As the summer holidays get into full swing many of us are primed to hear from travel providers – making it open season for scammers. One of many holiday-related frauds preys on customers who have booked somewhere to stay via the platform either via its website or app. In the UK, Action Fraud received 532 reports of the scam between June 2023 and September 2024, with victims losing a total of £370,000. It says that it is likely hackers are using phishing attacks against accommodation providers and then using the details to contact customers – sometimes via WhatsApp but often through the real platform. This means the usual things to look out for – odd email addresses, or texts, may not apply. Cases seen by Guardian Money have typically involved the theft of several hundred pounds. The global nature of the platform means it can happen to you wherever in the world you live, or plan to holiday. Regulators in countries including Australia have warned of the issue. said: 'Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of online scams targeting many businesses operating in the e-commerce space. With the rise of AI, cybercriminals are able to create increasingly sophisticated scams.' It said continually invested in cybersecurity technology, and incidents on the platform were rare. The message may say that your payment details need to be verified, or that there has been a problem with your card. It will try to make you panic by telling you your accommodation will be cancelled if you don't respond – it will probably give you a deadline to act by – usually a few hours away. There will be a link in the message for you to click on to give your card details. A separate scam also preying on would-be holidaymakers involves fake web pages which are used to trick people into downloading a malicious file that gives criminals full control of your device. The technology firm HP Wolf Security says scammers are emailing links to the pages and visitors are asked to accept cookies before they can see the full site – it is when they press 'accept' that the file downloads. A payment, or credit card details which the scammers say will just be used to pre-authorise or verify the card before your stay. They then charge it. Try not to panic about your holiday and don't respond until you've checked the message is genuine. advises: 'Always double-check the property's payment policies listed on the booking page or in your confirmation email. If there is no pre-payment policy or deposit requirement outlined, but you're asked to pay in advance to secure your booking, it is likely a scam.' If you are in doubt, contact customer service team and/or the accommodation provider directly. Be suspicious of any links you are sent. Genuine payments will be made on the app or website – you won't be sent to another site. Look out for common fraud tactics and giveaways. 'Scam messages often include urgent language and may contain spelling or grammar errors,' says. If you have put your card details into a site, call your card provider. You may need to block or cancel your card. also advises enabling two-factor authorisation on your account
