Regulatory and Legal Affairs - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 14

1 min

UK regulators crack down on “from” price claims in hotel advertising

📑 Nov 19, 2025, UK: The Advertising Standards Authority banned ads from Booking.com, Accor, Travelodge, and Hilton. Their “from” price claims were misleading due to limited availability. Booking.com and Hilton failed to provide evidence of room availability at advertised rates. Accor and Travelodge offered prices valid only on specific dates. The ASA emphasized the need for clear disclosure of limited-availability prices, rejecting Booking.com's dynamic pricing defense.

3 min

Hospitable launches Owner Payouts, becoming the first PMS to deliver fully integrated owner payments

🏠 18 November 2025, San Francisco: Hospitable launches Owner Payouts, a new feature enabling direct payments to property owners within the platform. This innovation tackles manual, error-prone payment processes in the short-term rental sector. Available on the Mogul plan, it supports bank accounts in the US, UK, and Australia, with additional regions to follow. Hospitable aims to ease property managers' workloads, having automated 25 million messages and processed $4.6 billion in reservations in 2024.

1 min

Hospitality insolvencies ease to 857 in Q3

💸 In Q3 2025, 857 hospitality businesses, including hotels and restaurants, became insolvent in the UK, a slight 2.7% decrease from Q2's 881. Monthly insolvencies remain over 275. The Buchler Phillips Hospitality Index dropped from 197.3 in June to 191.9 in September. Key closures include Pizza Hut, shutting 68 restaurants and risking 1,200 jobs. The sector faces ongoing challenges with rising staff costs and consumer spending pressures.

2 min

President Trump lifts food tariffs on select items, including beef and coffee

📦 President Donald Trump, on November 14, lifted tariffs on items like coffee, tea, and beef. Previously, tariffs introduced in April affected 74% of the $221 billion U.S. food imports, with rates up to 50% for countries like Brazil. This rollback aims to soothe the restaurant industry amid a 40% rise in food costs over four years. However, tariffs remain on products like tomatoes from Mexico, wheat, and dairy. The National Restaurant Association and others support this change.

2 min

Work starts on Premier Inn conversion at Phoenix House in Vauxhall

🏠 Work has commenced on converting Phoenix House, Vauxhall, London into a 180-room Premier Inn. Whitbread signed a 30-year lease with Lambeth Council in March 2025, with planning consent in July. Construction is underway, aiming for an early 2028 opening, creating about 25 jobs. Located opposite Vauxhall Underground Station, the site is part of Whitbread's London expansion. The 10-storey, 7,469 sqm building was previously used by Lambeth Council. Strip-out is by Redhammer Demolition, ending Easter 2026.

2 min

UKH warns holiday tax U-turn would cost Brits £518m

💸 The Government is considering a holiday tax in England ahead of the 26 November Budget. Local leaders could apply a levy on accommodation, raising effective consumer rates to 27% with VAT. A 5% levy could cost consumers £518m. Over 89 million overnight trips were made in 2024, totaling 255 million nights. This proposal follows official assurances against a tourism tax, raising concerns about consumer spending and inflation. UKHospitality urges the government to maintain its previous stance.

Ageing populations reshape travel demand

🗺 Europe, Nov 17, 2025: Europe’s tourism faces challenges with a shrinking customer base due to declining birth rates and an ageing population. Travelers over 65 now represent a significant market, with 40% experiencing disabilities. Rising VAT and city taxes pose additional pressures. In contrast, the U.S. and Japan see growth with competitive pricing. Local funding issues drive new tourism taxes, risking the industry's competitiveness. Industry leaders warn of a potential "Buckaroo moment" from excessive taxation.

U.S. tourism hit by continued steep drop in Canadian visitors

💸 Nov 17, 2025, U.S.: A 30% drop in Canadian visits has led to a $5.7B decline in U.S. tourism spending in 2025. Political tensions, trade policies, and new border rules deter Canadians. Tourism-dependent states face economic risks like reduced hotel occupancy and local tax revenue. The U.S. is approaching a $70B travel trade deficit. Efforts to attract Canadians include discounts, as Canadian spending in some towns drops nearly 40%.

2 min

JLL Releases Findings From 2026 U.S. Construction Perspective

🏗️ JLL Project and Development Services released its *2026 U.S. Construction Perspective* in Chicago, Illinois. Construction spending fell 4.7% in 2025, with a forecasted growth of 0.4% in 2026. Material cost pressures are expected to escalate, influenced by policy instability. Success will need localized strategies and an understanding of regional policy impacts. Workforce constraints and the interplay of trade policy and immigration enforcement are key risks to consider.

2 min

North Devon holiday cottages brought to market at £2m

🏠 Hewish Mill Holiday Cottages in Muddiford, North Devon, is up for sale at £2 million. This historic estate, dating back to 1751, spans 4.6 acres and includes a farmhouse and five cottages. The property, situated three miles from Exmoor and 25 minutes from beaches, also features gardens, a stable block, and EV charging. Domestic tourism saw a 16.3% rise in the first half of 2025, boosting market spending by 5.6% since 2022.

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