Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🌐 In 2024, around 44,000 companies were publicly listed globally, valued over EUR 100 trillion, growing 28% since 2022. However, since 2005, over 35,000 companies exited stock exchanges. In Europe and the USA, delistings outpaced listings, with 12,000 and 5,000 delistings, respectively. Asia, excluding China and Japan, saw positive net listings from 2022-2024. Sustainability disclosures are mandated in 79% of jurisdictions, and 62% require transition planning. Notably, 60% have assurance requirements for sustainability data.

🛂 U.S. Travel Association expresses concern over CBP's proposed ESTA changes, potentially requiring social media history from Visa Waiver Program travelers. This could deter millions from visiting the U.S., impacting the economy. While the administration has made positive strides like modernizing TSA and reducing visa wait times, this policy might counteract efforts to boost tourism. All eyes are on the U.S. ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the need for balanced travel facilitation.

🏠 Scottish hospitality businesses could face a £69m rise in business rates in 2026/27 due to a 23% increase in rateable values. The 40% relief may not extend for properties valued under £51k. A rural pub’s rateable value rose 160%, leading to layoffs, while a west Scotland hotel saw a 40% hike. An Edinburgh restaurant closed after a 54% increase. UKHospitality urges the Scottish government to freeze valuations and seeks a reduced rate of 30p per pound.

💸 High interest rates and inflation drive hospitality construction costs up in 2025, with five-star hotel builds increasing costs twice as fast as general inflation. Labor shortages and material costs, especially in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, compound these challenges. The Populus Hotel in Denver and Nobu Hotel in Atlanta showcase innovative cost-management through design-build approaches. Despite rising expenses, travel demand rebounds, with TSA data showing passenger numbers matching 2024 levels.

💳 Dec 12, 2025: Banks are transforming travel distribution by controlling transactions via digital wallets and apps. They integrate payments and AI, challenging traditional hotel channels like OTAs and metasearch. Hotels risk being bypassed as bank platforms embed bookings directly into apps. This shift impacts demand, loyalty, and distribution costs. Banks offer secure, bookable inventory, wielding power through financial risk management, unlike traditional intermediaries. Hotels must strategize to manage new bank-driven distribution channels.

📈 Dec 12, 2025, New York: A groundbreaking law mandates businesses to disclose when AI and personal data influence pricing. This transparency targets personalized pricing, driven by data like browsing history and device type. Despite legal challenges, a federal judge upheld the law, citing consumer protection. Notably, certain sectors like ride-hailing are exempt. The law may inspire similar regulations across other states, potentially shaping a federal standard. Retailers argue it misrepresents traditional pricing methods.

🚨 Taco Giro, a Tucson, Arizona-based restaurant chain, temporarily closed eight locations following a Dec. 5 ICE raid. The operation led to the arrest of 46 individuals, mainly employees. Cesar Rodriguez, operations director, stated 10% of staff were detained. ICE cited labor, tax, and immigration violations. Mass protests during the raid resulted in two civilian arrests and non-lethal force usage. By Dec. 9, three locations reopened, but five remain closed. Rep. Adelita Grijalva claimed she was pepper sprayed during protests.

💰 AAHOA, representing nearly 20,000 hotel owners and 60% of U.S. hotels, joined over 100 organizations supporting the bipartisan American Franchise Act (AFA), H.R. 5267. The Act, with 51 bipartisan cosponsors, aims to clarify the joint-employer standard, benefiting franchise businesses generating $900 billion in economic output and supporting 8.8 million jobs. AAHOA emphasizes the need for a stable regulatory environment for growth and applauds Representatives Kevin Hern and Don Davis for their leadership.

📱 San Diego, CA — December 11, 2025 — CN Hotels, headquartered in High Point, NC, partners with Cloudbeds to enhance hotel management. CN Hotels manages over 30 hotels with 3,600+ rooms across NC, SC, TN, and FL. Starting with Hotel Alice, this integration optimizes operations and guest experiences. Tiffany Reynolds of CN Hotels emphasizes operational simplicity and financial gains, while Adam Harris of Cloudbeds highlights tech-driven empowerment. Founded in 1994, CN Hotels aligns with brands like Marriott and Hilton.