Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📑 In 2023, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into Hilton, IHG Hotels, and Marriott for potentially sharing competitively-sensitive information via STR, owned by CoStar. This echoes a 2012 probe involving IHG, Expedia, and Booking.com over pricing agreements. The CMA may issue a statement of objections if it finds competition law violations. The investigation aims to clarify data-sharing practices in the hotel sector, with findings expected in around six months.

📈 The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and data provider CoStar over suspected sharing of competitively sensitive information via STR, a CoStar-owned hotel data tool. The probe examines if this data sharing reduced commercial uncertainty, potentially allowing coordinated behavior. IHG and CoStar committed to cooperating with the inquiry. The CMA aims to ensure new technologies foster fair competition, with potential law infringement statements following the investigation.

📅 Hoteliers, for the 2026 edition of “The List” by HOTELS Magazine, submit your data by June 1st for the global ranking of hotel companies. This ranking will be featured in the July/August 2026 issue, focusing on the number of rooms and properties. Participation is voluntary, so ensure to submit your own data via the provided form. For inquiries, contact info@hotelsmag.com.

📈 UK Competition and Markets Authority launched a probe in March 2026 into Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and CoStar for potentially harmful data sharing affecting competitive rates. The investigation examines if sensitive data was shared via CoStar's analytics tool, breaching competition laws. CoStar insists its platform has been used for decades to evaluate market dynamics. IHG and Hilton confirmed cooperation, while Marriott hasn't commented. A similar lawsuit in 2025 was dismissed.

🏨 The Wisteria Hotel in Rutland is for sale for £1.8m after eight years with the current family owners. The property features 25 boutique-style rooms, a restaurant, a three-bedroom apartment, and event facilities for up to 80 guests. Built in 1604, it retains original features like fireplaces and beams. Located in Oakham, it offers access to tourist attractions. Christie and Co's Matt Hill is handling the sale, highlighting its excellent reviews and income streams.

📈 Major hotel groups in the Middle East are facing potential temporary occupancy reductions due to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. On Saturday, an incident occurred outside Fairmont Dubai in the UAE, and an apparent drone attack targeted Kuwait Airport. This could lead to reduced international travel to nearby countries. Video footage showed smoke near Accor's Fairmont Dubai on Palm Jumeirah. These events may amplify regional travel uncertainty.

🏠 Belvilla, a PRISM-owned brand, secured 10 U.S. properties from Sonder's bankruptcy proceedings, entering key markets like New York, New Orleans, and Denver. Operations began in Long Island City and New Orleans. The expansion reflects a strategic, economics-led approach with plans for future growth. Belvilla manages over 60,000 homes in Europe, while PRISM, its parent company, projects USD 280 million earnings for FY 2026, with operations spanning multiple continents.

📈 In 2025, Marriott's strategy focuses on capital allocation and prioritization of luxury and upper-upscale segments. These categories are experiencing the most significant growth momentum, echoing trends seen in other global hotel groups.