Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📑 Aug 7, 2025: Over 10,000 European hotels join a class action against Booking.com, supported by HOTREC, over price parity clauses claimed to harm competition. The lawsuit seeks fair competition, especially for small hotels. Booking.com defends, citing no anti-competitive ruling by the EU court. The registration deadline extended to August 29, 2025, due to interest. In 2023, Booking Holdings had a 71% European market share. More details at the Luxembourg Times.

🏨 State legislators and hospitality leaders in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, advocate for House Bill 1286, proposed by State Rep. Regina Young, to mandate human trafficking awareness training for hotel and short-term rental employees statewide. The bill, backed by several lawmakers, aims to standardize training to identify and report trafficking signs. Industry leaders like the AHLA Foundation and Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association support this initiative, emphasizing its importance in combating human trafficking and enhancing safety across Pennsylvania.

💸 Barcelona is intensifying efforts to combat overtourism. Starting this year, the tourist tax will be €3.40 per night in 4-star establishments and €2 in other lodging types. By 2029, this tax will reach €8 per night. Additionally, cruise passengers stopping for less than 24 hours in the Catalan region will face a €12 fee, up from €7. These measures aim to preserve local ecosystems and improve resident quality of life.

💰 Jul 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped its lawsuit against the $570 million merger of American Express Global Business Travel and CWT. The merger, set to close in Q3, will create a $45.5 billion industry leader, doubling BCD Travel's $23 billion sales. Despite the UK’s CMA approval, antitrust concerns persist about price increases and reduced innovation. Amex GBT argues that competition remains strong from tech-driven and traditional agencies. Independent companies criticize the merger’s potential oligopolistic effects.