Latest news with #DigitalMarketsActof2024
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
More than 10,000 European hotels seeking damages from Booking.com
The hotels cite a ruling by the European Court of Justice dated September 19, 2024 that essentially states that the best-price clause is illegal. — REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo ROME: More than 10,000 European hotels are joining collective legal action against Amsterdam-based to seek compensation for losses caused by the online travel agency's use of so-called "best price" clauses. According to reports, the best price clauses could be in violation of antitrust law, but a court in Amsterdam must ultimately resolve the case. These clauses had prevented hotels from offering their rooms at a lower price outside the platform, such as on their own website. The aim is to prevent so-called "free-rider" bookings where customers find the hotel on and then go to the hotel's own website to make their booking. The hotels cite a ruling by the European Court of Justice dated September 19, 2024 that essentially states that the best-price clause is illegal. The court found that platforms like could operate without rules of this kind. This made little difference to travellers. had abolished the clauses in Europe following the European Union's Digital Markets Act of 2024. "European hoteliers have long suffered from unfair conditions and excessive costs. Now is the time to stand together and demand redress," Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the HOTREC hospitality sector association, said. "This joint initiative sends a clear message: abusive practices in the digital market will not be tolerated by the hospitality industry in Europe," he added. The aim of the collective action, known as a class action lawsuit, is to secure compensation for damages incurred between 2004 and 2024. The action, which is being supported by HOTREC and more than 30 national hotel associations, will be heard by a Dutch court and coordinated by the Hotel Claims Alliance. Despite the criticism, is essential for many hotels, as it allows them to reach a large customer base. According to a study conducted by HOTREC and a Swiss hoteliers' college, Booking Holdings held a market share of 71% across Europe in 2023, while the share of direct bookings has declined considerably over recent years. – dpa
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
More than 10,000 European hotels seeking damages from Booking.com
4 Aug 2025 09:55 ROME (dpa)More than 10,000 European hotels are joining collective legal action against Amsterdam-based to seek compensation for losses caused by the online travel agency's use of so-called "best price" clauses ban the hotels from offering rooms on their own websites at a lower rate and are seen by them as illegal. The aim is to prevent so-called "free-rider" bookings where customers find the hotel on and then go to the hotel's own website to make their hotels cite a ruling by the European Court of Justice dated September 19, 2024 that essentially states that the best-price clause is court found that platforms like could operate without rules of this kind. This made little difference to travellers. had abolished the clauses in Europe following the European Union's Digital Markets Act of 2024. 'European hoteliers have long suffered from unfair conditions and excessive costs. Now is the time to stand together and demand redress,' Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the HOTREC hospitality sector association, said.'This joint initiative sends a clear message: abusive practices in the digital market will not be tolerated by the hospitality industry in Europe,' he aim of the collective action, known as a class action lawsuit, is to secure compensation for damages incurred between 2004 and action, which is being supported by HOTREC and more than 30 national hotel alliances, will be heard by a Dutch court and coordinated by the Hotel Claims the criticism, is essential for many hotels, as it allows them to reach a large customer base. According to a study conducted by HOTREC and a Swiss hoteliers' college, Booking Holdings held a market share of 71% across Europe in 2023, while the share of direct bookings has declined significantly over recent years.
