Regulatory and Legal Affairs - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 29

How Uber’s algorithm decides what you’ll pay

🛫 Jun 26, 2025, Columbia Business School reveals Uber's US algorithmic price discrimination since 2022/2023, boosting profits but reducing driver pay. Uber's US take rate jumped from ~32% to over 42% by 2024, and UK rates rose from 25% to 29%, with some trips exceeding 50%. Despite a dramatic profit increase, from a $303 million loss in 2022 to a $6.9 billion gain in 2024, Uber denies claims of unfair pricing. Full story at The Guardian.

Google Hotels faces competitive & regulatory headwinds

📈 Jun 25, 2025 - The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Google's AI Overviews are reshaping metasearch, impacting Google Hotels’ market share. Key players like Expedia, Trivago, TripAdvisor, and Super.com are leveraging these changes to gain traction. Despite Google's continued relevance, competitors are making significant gains, marking a potential shift in industry dynamics. Industry stakeholders express concerns over the volatility and risk in forming long-term distribution agreements amidst these regulatory and technological shifts.

2 min

If we cut out Booking.com today, many hotels would be scrambling for business tomorrow. | Thibault Catala

💸 In 2023, a class action lawsuit in Europe targets Booking.com for alleged dominance abuse through parity clauses and high commissions. While legal action like Switzerland's commission ceiling might appeal, the real concern is hotels' dependence on OTAs. Essential questions include the readiness to diversify channels and invest in marketing, as OTAs might offer higher NetRevPAR. Without addressing business fundamentals, like distribution strategies, hotels risk losing volume. What's your Plan B if Booking.com vanished tomorrow?

Agoda under fire in Japan over ongoing booking failures

🗺 June 24, 2025, Japan: The Japan Tourism Agency urges Agoda Japan to resolve persistent booking issues causing complaints and disruptions. Despite corrective measures in April, problems persist, including missing reservations and price discrepancies, possibly due to partner firms reselling rooms. Hotels like Toyoko Inn warn against booking with Agoda. The agency threatened administrative penalties without improvement. Agoda claims prompt customer service responses. Further details are available at Kyodo News.

3 min

Tracking Trump’s immigration timeline: What restaurant operators should know

🚩 President Donald Trump, in his second term starting January 2025, initiated significant immigration crackdowns affecting the restaurant industry with about one million undocumented workers. On January 20, Trump declared a national emergency at the Southern border and signed orders impacting birthright citizenship. By January 25, ICE arrests were ordered to rise to 1,200-1,500 daily. On June 16, DHS reversed pauses on enforcement in agricultural, hotel, and restaurant sectors, maintaining a daily arrest quota of 3,000.

2 min

RoomOne Celebrates Partnership With 1,000th Hotel Property for PTAC Recycling

📦 In Knoxville, Tennessee, RoomOne partnered with its 1,000th hotel for eco-friendly disposal of PTAC units. Collaborating with brands like IHG and Red Roof, they prevent millions of pounds of waste. RoomOne offers free PTAC recycling by processing and repurposing units, compliant with the Clean Air Act. Tyler Oberholzer highlights that by recycling tens of thousands of units annually, hotels avoid fees and support sustainability without extra costs.

6 min

The ‘American Dream’ slipping away, some H-1B aspirants are turning to an alternative

📈 Amazon led H-1B visa approvals for FY2024 with 3,871. The U.S. H-1B visa program, established in 1990, is capped at 85,000 visas annually, yet over 343,000 applications were submitted for FY2025. Amid scrutiny, some are turning to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which offers 10,000 visas annually for $800,000 investments. With new EB-5 rules, H-1B holders can adjust their status without leaving the U.S., providing a more secure pathway to residency for skilled professionals.

2 min

Pandox Consortium acquires shares in Dalata Hotel Group amid ongoing acquisition talks

💰 Pandox Ireland DAC acquired 1,698,112 shares of Dalata Hotel Group on June 20, 2025, at €6.30 per share, accounting for 0.8% of Dalata's share capital. Previously, Pandox proposed €6.05 per share for full acquisition on June 2, 2025, which was rejected. Pandox now holds 9.6% of Dalata's shares. Under Irish Takeover Rules, Pandox must decide on a firm offer by July 15, 2025. Dalata's Board is engaging with other acquisition proposals.

1 min

CDS Group announces the creation of the holding S4BT

🌐 CDS announced the creation of S4BT, a holding company consolidating six brands across five European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Croatia. With an annual booking volume over €800 million, S4BT aims to be a leading player in Europe's corporate travel sector. CEO Ziad Minkara emphasizes the group's focus on unity, independence, and innovation. S4BT addresses market challenges like digitalization and sustainability, seeking further acquisitions to expand its international presence.

2 min

AirHelp reveals top Irish airports and…

✈️ In July and August 2024, over 26,500 flights departed Irish airports, with 29% facing disruptions. Ireland West Airport Knock had a 44% disruption rate, while Dublin Airport saw 70% on-time departures, with 53,000 passengers eligible for EC 261 compensation. Potential rule changes could reduce compensation-eligible passengers by 60%. Cork to Amsterdam flights had a 95% punctuality rate, while flights to Adnan Menderes Airport faced 57% disruptions. Nordic destinations showed fewer disruptions with up to 86% on-time flights.

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