Regulatory and Legal Affairs - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 26

3 min

Short-Term Restraint: Understanding the Effect of Federal Policy Changes on Lodging Demand

💸 Government travel declined significantly in Q1 and Q2 of 2025, with forward bookings down 14% as of May 3 compared to the same period in 2024. The U.S. lodging industry is impacted by federal layoffs and tariffs, affecting demand in major markets like Washington, D.C. Government rate bookings constitute over 3% of hotel demand, with wider impacts through other rate categories. In contrast, leisure travel remains resilient, driven by Americans' persistent travel desires.

Short-term rentals reshaping Europe’s tourism landscape

🛠 Jul 17, 2025 – Across Europe, tourism is increasingly dominated by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, with guest nights up by 67% since 2019, while traditional hotel stays stall. Smaller destinations in Greece and Croatia, such as Santorini with 46 guest nights per resident, are experiencing significant pressure. Local infrastructure struggles with rising rents and water shortages. Cities like Barcelona respond with rental bans. New EU data-sharing rules help, but experts call for sustainable, less extractive tourism models.

3 min

Thoughtful Thursday – Building an Inclusive Future: Introducing the Accessibility Menu in SwiftBook

💻 The EU Accessibility Act mandates accessible digital services by June 28, 2025, impacting platforms like SwiftBook. With 135 million Europeans having disabilities, compliance avoids penalties and broadens reach. SwiftBook’s new Accessibility Menu offers features like high-contrast modes and text enlargement, targeting a market controlling $1.2 trillion globally. Accessibility enhances usability, SEO, and inclusivity, offering a seamless booking experience for all, including the elderly and those with disabilities.

3 min

Majority of tech vendors say PMS fees are…

💰 Nearly 90% of short-term rental software vendors delay product launches due to high integration fees from property management systems, with fees reaching $10,000 or 20% of revenue. Only 1 vendor saw a return on investment, and 81% say the revenue model favors large platforms. Hospitable's No Rev Share Pledge invites vendors and platforms to end these fees, offering benefits like discounts to hosts. 78% of vendors support reform, aiming for innovation and choice.

Google’s EU travel talks stall

🗺 Jul 16, 2025: Two days of negotiations in the EU between Google, travel stakeholders, and the EU Commission ended without agreement on Google's travel search results under the Digital Markets Act. Two proposed formats: “Intermediary-first layout” prioritizes Booking.com, while a “Separate box for direct sellers” offers hotel links. Hotels find themselves at a disadvantage as the focus remains on intermediaries. A lack of resolution could lead to significant fines for Google, impacting the travel booking market.

4 min

89% of tech vendors say PMS-imposed fees are blocking innovation in the short-term rental sector – Hospitable

📡 SAN FRANCISCO, 15 July 2025 – Nearly 90% of short-term rental software vendors face delays or abandon projects due to high PMS integration fees, reaching up to $10,000 or 20% of quarterly revenue. Hospitable’s report shows 81% vendors find this model advantageous for large platforms, stifling innovation. Now, Hospitable promotes the No Rev Share Pledge for fairer access. 78% of vendors support ending revenue sharing, aiming for improved product development and innovation.

2 min

Are Pandox and Eiendomsspar Consortium to acquire Dalata Hotel Group?

💰 Pandox Ireland Tuck Limited (Bidco) will acquire Dalata Hotel Group for €6.45 per share, a total equity value of €1.4 billion, representing a 35.5% premium. The deal, involving Pandox AB and Eiendomsspar AS, requires Dalata shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, with completion expected in Q4 2025. Dalata's portfolio, managed by Scandic Group, enhances Pandox’s Northern Europe presence.

1 min

Unlocking Revenue Potential: The Need for Strategic Investment

📰 📊 In 2025, IDeaS Revenue Solutions offers a downloadable resource through a form on their website. Users must provide their first name, last name, business email, job level, job role, company name, and country. By completing the form, participants consent to receive emails about content, products, and services from IDeaS, with options to manage preferences or unsubscribe. The privacy policy and contact information are accessible for further details.

2 min

Negative impact of Royal Decree on Spain’s competitiveness

📈 Since January, Decree 933/2021 mandates extensive data collection by travel and tourism providers in Spain, impacting competitiveness and costs. Critics, including Spanish hoteliers, claim it violates EU regulations and harms the tourism sector. The European Commission has been notified due to concerns about compliance with EU data protection laws. The decree, a response to the rise in private tourist stays, lacks clarity and enforceability, according to Ramón Estalella, General Secretary of CEHAT.

3 min

Third-party delivery regulation issues continue in cities like New York and Seattle

🚀 New York City, May 2025: Introduced Int. 762-B, adjusting delivery platform fees to 43%. Previous 15% cap included an extra 3% credit card fee, 20% for enhanced services, and 5% for miscellaneous fees. Mandatory notification to restaurant clients was due by June 30. Seattle's regulations: 15% fee cap, $30/hour pay for workers, and strict deactivation rules. DoorDash cites Seattle fees as double others, claiming higher costs and slower deliveries. Jersey City and Stamford explore similar regulatory measures.

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