Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📈 In 2026 at San Antonio's Henry B. González Convention Center, HITEC hosted over 6,100 hospitality tech professionals and 400 exhibitors across 85,000 square feet. AI's accountability in hospitality, highlighted by Air Canada's chatbot liability case, dominated discussions. Hotels face potential legal issues with AI-driven systems, risking antitrust exposure. Meanwhile, Booking.com facilitated €691 billion in European economic activity in 2025, supporting 4.7 million jobs and generating €175 billion in wages. AI and digital engagement remain pivotal industry topics.

🌍 Launched by the WTTC on an unspecified date, the new framework, "The Seven Principles for Attracting Tourism Investment," aims to enhance tourism investment globally. Gloria Guevara unveiled principles like legal certainty, a one-stop-shop for investment, competitive incentives, and comprehensive planning. These principles are designed to boost economic growth, create jobs, and develop infrastructure. The WTTC emphasizes policy stability and collaboration between government and private sectors to attract global investment in sustainable tourism.

✈️ GBTA applauds the EU air passenger rights reform agreement reached in Brussels, Belgium, enhancing clarity for travellers and businesses. Airlines must now inform passengers of compensation rights for cancellations or delays. Compensation ranges between €250 and €600 for delays over three hours. GBTA urges clear implementation by EU Member States to boost traveller confidence. This agreement is part of broader efforts to modernize passenger rights in Europe, aiming for a more integrated and traveller-focused system.

💵 Bristol Hoteliers Association supports Tom Kerridge’s ‘VAT’s the Problem’ campaign for a 10% VAT rate in the hospitality industry. The campaign gathered over 100,000 signatures in 72 hours. In 2026, Bristol saw a 3% increase in hotel occupancy, but rising costs (3%-13%) keep profits flat. Upcoming events like Bristol Pride and the Harbour Festival offer optimism. A VAT reduction could boost sales and aid economic recovery, echoing previous calls for lower tax rates since 2022.

💸 Bristol Hoteliers Association supports Tom Kerridge's '#VATsTheProblem' campaign for a 10% VAT rate to protect hospitality profits. The campaign gained over 100,000 signatures in 72 hours. Despite a 3% increase in hotel occupancy, rising costs (3-13%) keep profits flat. Summer 2026 looks promising with events like international cricket, Bristol Pride, and Balloon Fiesta. BHA advocates for VAT reduction, a longstanding industry demand, to boost sales and sustain the local economy.

🚨 The UK government collaborates with UKHospitality to enhance safety for women and girls, focusing on preventing violence and sharing best practices. A roundtable at 11 Downing Street discussed improving guest safety protocols. 5.1 million experienced abuse or assault by March 2025. The government allocated £550m for victim support over three years, aiming to halve violence against women in a decade. The UK's hospitality sector contributed £64.3bn to the economy in 2024, employing 1.3 million people.