Latest news with #Bookingcom
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
European hotels sue Booking.com over pricing rules
Hotel associations from more than 25 European countries have initiated a large-scale legal case against online travel platform challenging its use of rate parity clauses that allegedly restricted competition and inflated commission fees. The coordinated lawsuit follows a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that deemed such clauses unlawful under EU competition law. Since the early 2000s, enforced contractual terms known as rate parity clauses. These provisions prevented hotels from offering lower prices on their own websites or other distribution channels, effectively forcing them to maintain uniform pricing on the platform. Hotels argue this practice limited their autonomy, raised operational costs through higher commissions, and suppressed price competition. The ECJ ruling on 19 September 2024 confirmed that these clauses breached European competition regulations by restricting fair competition and disadvantaging smaller independent hotels. The court found that policies hindered pricing transparency and consumer choice, setting the stage for collective legal action. The lawsuit involves national hotel associations from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. This broad coalition reflects the extensive impact of the platform's pricing practices across the continent. A dedicated legal body has been established to coordinate the claims, with the Netherlands chosen as the jurisdiction for the centralised proceedings. Eligible hotels that paid commissions to between 2004 and 2024 can join the collective action by registering through a streamlined legal platform. The process aims to reduce litigation costs and facilitate compensation claims for overpaid commission fees plus accrued interest. This legal action highlights growing concerns over the market power of online travel agencies and digital platforms in the hospitality sector. By challenging restrictive pricing clauses, hotels seek to regain control over their pricing strategies and improve competitiveness. Industry representatives emphasise that fair competition among booking channels benefits both consumers and service providers by promoting transparency and innovation. The ECJ decision and subsequent lawsuit may influence other digital marketplaces employing similar pricing restrictions. Regulators across Europe are increasingly scrutinising platform practices to ensure compliance with competition laws and to foster a more balanced digital economy. As the European hospitality industry recovers from recent disruptions, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent. It underscores the importance of protecting independent businesses against anti-competitive agreements and ensuring fair conditions in online hotel booking markets. "European hotels sue over pricing rules" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hospitality Net
3 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Why is Airbnb losing the war of STR dominance to Booking..com?
Last year, delivered 400.4 million nights booked at short-term rentals (STRs), which was 80% of Airbnb's total nights. At the same time, generates almost twice as many nights per listing on its platform as Airbnb. Growth rates for a number of STR listings on the platform were 17% vs only 4% for Airbnb. Is overtaking the leadership of Airbnb in the STR sector? As the short-term rental (STR) market is maturing, Airbnb's first-mover advantage is disappearing fast. Airbnb, with all of its pretenses for innovation, uniqueness and market leadership, is falling behind and the the OTAs as a whole in adopting proven best practices in online travel and in its core business - the STRs. One of these best practices in online travel is having a loyalty program. What do all major OTAs, local activities OTAs like Viator and GetYourGuide, all airlines, car rental companies, cruise lines, hotel chains, etc. have in common? All of them have loyalty programs. A loyalty program reaffirms the perceived value proposition of your brand and nourishes the travel consumer's emotional attachment to your brand. Loyalty program means repeat business. Repeat business means cheap direct business. The loyalty programs have become the main assets of all major travel and retail players. They provide not only huge benefits like repeat business and invaluable first-party data insights to these companies. In return their shower loyalty members with perks, benefits and discounts thus bringing them back again and again. I think it's pure arrogance on behalf of Airbnb not to have a loyalty program. Airbnb has to extract more revenue from its existing customer base, has to deliver more roomnights to its existing hosts, and can no longer rely on new inventory, post-pandemic revenge travel and established name in the marketplace. We have all heard the company's talking points: Airbnb is so mainstream that it's 'a noun and a verb.' Well, so were the claims of another company called Xerox. I believe the lack of a loyalty program is Airbnb's Achilles heel. Instead of failed initiatives and meandering corporate strategies, like poorly-executed experiences, 'back to the basics' shared rooms, etc. Airbnb needs a Loyalty Program similar to Expedia One Key and Booking's Genius to have a fighting chance against these OTAs. Both Expedia's Vrbo and programs now boast 220 million members each and offer rewards, discounts, and perks for booking many of the same STR properties you can find on Airbnb or other STR platforms. Just imagine if you are an Airbnb customer: You are rewarded with points, discounts or perks when booking the same STR property on or vrbo, but get nothing on Airbnb. In the same time, travelers who stay at short-term rentals do not come from Mars. PhocusWright reported that 45% of STR users compare rentals with hotels. These same travelers would stay at a hotel for business travel or shorter leisure stays, and would rent an Airbnb for a family reunion or extended stay. There is a real 'booking war' going on between hotels and Airbnb. So, Airbnb's main competitors are not only and Expedia's vrbo but also all major hotel chains, boutiques, and luxury hotel brands, all of which have loyalty or reward programs. For example, Marriott's loyalty program Bonvoy grew 16% in 2024, reaching 228 million, generating 73% of US room nights booked and 66% of roomnights globally. Marriott's Homes & Villas program offers over 140,000 curated homes and villas globally and is direct competitors to Airbnb's core business. Hilton also reported that their guest loyalty program Hilton Honors has reached 211 million members in 2024, a 17% increase from the previous year. Here is another example of another one of Airbnb's strategic misses: Sponsored Listings: Currently Airbnb does not offer sponsored listings where hosts can pay to have their properties appear higher in search results. Instead, Airbnb's ranking system relies on factors like guest reviews, host history, and perceived value of the listing. With hundreds of listings in the main STR markets, how can your STR property differentiate itself from the rest? Sponsored listings, of course! The Yellow Pages invented sponsored listings nearly 150 years ago. Yahoo introduced sponsored listings in the online world 30 years ago. Google did it 24 years ago. Expedia's Travel Ads were established 17 years ago. did this more recently. It's a no-brainer! Why doesn't Airbnb offer sponsored listings? The answer is, once again, pure arrogance and lack of recognition of online travel's best practices. Unlike Airbnb, has a robust loyalty program and flourishing Sponsored Listings product. No wonder is catching up fast with Airbnb in the STR sector. See related LinkedIn post by Miroslav Gospodinov
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Irish hotels to join landmark Europe-wide legal action against booking.com
An umbrella organisation representing hundreds of Irish hotels is joining the industry across Europe in an 'unprecedented' legal action against one of the world's largest accommodation platforms over what they say were inflated rate of commission imposed for two decades. The hotels are seeking 'substantial financial compensation' from following a judgment from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) last September which found that the platform's so-called parity clauses breached EU competition law. The contested clauses in the contracts that hotels had to sign if they wanted to feature on the site effectively prevented them from offering lower prices or better availability through other channels, the legal action will say. And it will argue that the strict conditions placed on hotels and their customers put them at a competitive disadvantage by suppressing price competition between and other online platforms. READ MORE The hotels will also argue that it resulted in them being charged inflated levels of commissions with the clauses also restricting them from offering better prices or availability on their own websites, limiting direct sales and autonomy. Under the general principles of European competition law, hotels in Ireland and across Europe are now entitled to claim compensation from for the financial losses suffered. The collective legal action is being supported by the European hospitality association and over 25 national hotel associations across Europe including the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). It is being brought before the Amsterdam District Court in the Netherlands, where BV is headquartered. More than 900 Irish hotels and guesthouses are eligible to join the action that covers a period from 2004 to 2024. Affected hotels may be eligible to recover a significant portion of commissions paid to in any period from 2004 to 2024 plus interest, the IHF has said. The umbrella group's chief executive Paul Gallagher described it as 'an unprecedented legal action' and said the parity clauses had been 'a major issue for Irish hotels going back 20 years, resulting in significant financial harm due to the inflated levels of commissions charged. We see this as an important opportunity to send a strong message to online booking platforms that unfair business practices will not go unchallenged.' The IHF said it was in direct communication with all affected hotels and guesthouses in Ireland in relation to the next steps for joining the collective legal action against It said the case was being led by a 'team of highly experienced and recognised competition lawyers, litigators and competition economists, who have already successfully achieved the ECJ's judgment of 19 September 2024. In addition to the Irish Hotels Federation, the action is supported by national hotel associations from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland. The Irish Times has contacted seeking a response.
Hospitality Net
5 days ago
- Hospitality Net
Booking.com Reveals the Top Trending Travel Destinations and Stays for Summer 2025
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a big travel season, with nearly half (48%) planning to spend more on their upcoming trips than they did in 2024. Hurghada, Egypt tops the global trending destination list this summer, with families drawn to its warm climate, easy resort access, and world-class diving along the Red Sea. Alternative accommodations continue to be popular with travelers, with a 10% increase in searches for unique properties compared to last summer. This year, travelers are seeking more space, comfort, and authenticity — villas and holiday homes are leading the way. AMSTERDAM - Travel remains a constant on people's minds, and as the seasons shift toward summer, enthusiasm for exploration endures—even amidst macroeconomic data from leading digital travel platform reveals that this summer is shaping up to be a season of big travel plans, longer trips, and meaningful escapes. Optimism is high: 77% of global leisure travelers feel excited about exploring the world in the months ahead, and nearly half (48%) expect to spend more on travel than in 2024.* From sun-soaked coastlines to vibrant cities and cultural discoveries, this summer's trending destinations offer something for every kind of traveler, from Egypt's coral reefs to Tokyo's lively streets and southern Spain's golden beaches. Top Trending Global Destinations for Summer 20251 Families With 53% of parents making travel a top yearly priority, family vacations are set to play a big role this summer. Today's families are seeking more than just sun and downtime- 85% of parents say they're looking for trips that expose children to a variety of cultures and experiences.* Whether that means exploring ancient temples and futuristic tech in Tokyo or enjoying Alicante's vibrant food scene, families are looking to book trips that inspire curiosity and connection. The way these trips are being planned are also getting easier and smarter, thanks to technology. Families are leading the way in using AI to simplify travel planning, with 85% also saying AI tools make the process faster and more efficient, more than any other traveler type.* Top Trending Summer Destinations for Families Groups Group travel is gaining momentum this summer, with 1 in 5 global travelers planning trips with friends.* Leading this trend is Gen Z with 33% opting for group getaways. These younger travelers are seeking experiences that combine social connection with nature as 36% prioritize activities like stargazing and outdoor adventures. This aligns with a broader movement, where 48% of global travelers express a desire to explore natural landscapes such as lakes, mountains and national parks.* Top Trending Summer Destinations for Groups Couples In 2025, couples are increasingly valuing memorable experiences over material gifts. A significant majority across generations—73% of millennials, 74% of Gen Z, and 69% of boomers—prefer the gift of travel to physical presents.* This shift aligns with the 45% of travelers planning to take a trip with their partner this year.** For those considering popular destinations like Milan and Alicante, nearby gems such as Trieste and Villajoyosa—both featured in 2025 Trending Destinations—offer enriching cultural experiences and picturesque settings, making them ideal additions to a romantic itinerary. Top global trending summer destinations for couples Unique stays on the rise Alternative accommodations are seeing a surge in popularity, with a 10% year-over-year increase in searches compared to last summer. offers more than 8.1 million listings in homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay, such as boats, treehouses, country homes, and beachfront bungalows. While apartments and guesthouses remain the top alternative accommodations this summer, offering comfort, convenience and local charm, travelers are increasingly exploring other options. Trending accommodation types vary by traveler group: Group travelers are showing a growing interest in riads and holiday homes, with searches up by 16% and 12%, respectively. Families are gravitating towards villas and camping, experiencing surges of 19% and 16%. Couples are favoring tented camps and chalets, which have seen increases of 16% and 13%. continues to simplify travel planning for 2025, offering a seamless platform where travelers can arrange every aspect of their journey. With over 30 accommodation categories—including homes, apartments, and unique stays—alongside flights, car rentals, and local attractions, connects every element of the trip. Travelers can also take advantage of Getaway Deals, with discounts of up to 20% for stays with checkout before September 30, 2025. Plus, members of the Genius loyalty program unlock even more perks—like free room upgrades and breakfast—at a wide range of properties worldwide, adding extra value and ease to their summer travels. 1 Trending destinations yielded from accommodation searches for dates between 15 February, 2025 and 15 April, 2025 with check-in dates 1 June, 2025 to 31 August, 2025, compared to search dates between 15 February, 2024 to 15 April, 2024 with check-in dates 1 June, 2024 to 31 August 2024 *Travel Trends 2025 Research was commissioned by and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500. ** Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1,002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1,008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1,011 from The Netherlands, 1,003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1,004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit Press Office +31 20 709 4743 View source
Reuters
21-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Swiss price watchdog orders Booking.com to lower prices
ZURICH, May 21 (Reuters) - Switzerland's price watchdog has ordered (BKNG.O), opens new tab to lower its prices in the country, finding that the online travel agency's commission rates for hotels are "abusively high," the supervisory body said on Wednesday. In accordance with the order, must reduce its commission rates for Swiss hotels by almost a quarter, the watchdog said in a statement. vowed to appeal the decision and said its rates would not change until the appeal process was resolved. "We don't agree with a forced reduction in the cost of a product that is entirely optional," it said in a statement. The Swiss watchdog said the cost reduction must be implemented three months after the ruling becomes legally binding, and would remain in effect for three years. Earlier this week the Spanish government ordered Airbnb (ABNB.O), opens new tab to withdraw over 65,000 listings for holiday rentals which it said violated existing rules from its platform. The step was part of a broader Spanish crackdown on tourism rentals via sites such as Airbnb and which critics blame for contributing to a housing crisis in the country.
