Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📈 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.

💰 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.

🌐 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.

✈️ 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.

📈 Thursday, 19 June 2025, Europe: HOTREC, Euro Coop, Independent Retail Europe, and RURALTOUR, representing over 3 million companies and 20 million jobs, have issued a joint statement on the Green Claims Directive. They express concerns about excessive bureaucracy, increased costs, and legal uncertainty. The statement urges EU legislators to delay finalizing the Directive until it is simplified. HOTREC emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental communication with SME competitiveness.

📅 June 28, 2025 deadline is set for the European Accessibility Act (EAA), affecting EU-focused hoteliers' digital channels. Complying involves adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA standards, ensuring websites are accessible for users with impairments. Key requirements include screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast. Beyond compliance, accessibility enhances user experience, SEO, and brand reputation. The Hotels Network aids compliance through personalized, inclusive tools, facilitating a seamless digital experience for all users.

🌍 59% of queer travelers have faced discrimination while traveling, according to a Booking.com study. 57% expect discrimination from locals, and 43% have canceled trips due to non-supportive destinations. Canada, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain are deemed safest by the Spartacus International Gay Guide. Hostile environments include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen, and certain U.S. states. Frank Harrison highlights potential safety issues such as harassment, violence, and incarceration for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

💸 Hoteliers from over 25 European countries filed a lawsuit in the Netherlands against Booking.com on June 17, 2025, alleging excessive commission charges via parity clauses. The legal move seeks billions of euros in damages, following a 2023 European Court of Justice ruling challenging such clauses. Lawyers estimate France's claim alone could reach €1.5 billion. The lawsuit targets commissions paid from 2004 to 2024, with Booking.com holding 70% of Europe's OTA hotel bookings last year.

🏠 Airbnb clashes with hotel industry as anti-tourism protests erupt across southern Europe on June 17, 2025. Demonstrations in Barcelona, Venice, and Ibiza spotlight the impact of tourism on housing and local life. Airbnb's Theo Yedinsky argues hotels, comprising nearly 80% of EU guest nights, are the real culprits of overtourism. Spain orders Airbnb to delist 65,000 properties; Greece freezes new short-term rentals in Athens for a year. Airbnb calls for solutions targeting hotel regulation.

📈 Last week, Donald Trump stated immigration policy changes are imminent, pausing enforcement in sectors like agriculture and hospitality. On Thursday, ICE senior official Tatum King directed a halt on related operations. About 1 million undocumented immigrants work in restaurants, a sector facing workforce gaps. Texas Restaurant Association seeks immigrant labor to address shortages. On Sunday, Trump suggested stricter enforcement in Democrat-led cities. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not comment.