Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📈 In 2026, Mexico revamped tax procedures impacting hotels and online travel agencies (OTAs). The change, involving no new taxes, affects how VAT and ISR are withheld and reported. A 2.5% ISR withholding applies to digital platform revenues, rising to 20% if RFC data is incomplete. VAT withholding can reach 100% with incomplete taxpayer info. This mandates precise reconciliation of revenues and taxes, relying heavily on technology for compliance and operational efficiency.

📈 Italy's antitrust regulator, AGCM, announced on Wednesday an investigation into Booking.com regarding hotel rankings. On Tuesday, AGCM, with the financial police's special antitrust unit, conducted inspections. The platform allegedly favors hotels in its preferred partner program, potentially affecting competition.

📈 In September 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the SECURE Data Act, which aims to establish a national privacy standard. This legislation intends to enhance consumer protections, enable individuals to control their information, and provide businesses with the certainty needed for innovation. The American Hotel & Lodging Association supports the act, acknowledging the leadership of Chairman Guthrie, Vice Chairman Joyce, and the data privacy working group. This initiative is crucial for the hotel and lodging industry.

🏨 G6 Hospitality rejoined the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to advocate for economy hotels and franchise owners nationwide. The partnership focuses on protecting the hotel franchise model, advancing favorable tax policies, and addressing workforce and labor issues. G6 maintains its commitment to anti-human trafficking through the No Room for Trafficking campaign. Leadership from both organizations emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening the voice of independent hoteliers across the country.