Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🛫 Dnata Travel Group has initiated a consultation to potentially close UK B2C brands, Travel Republic and Netflights, following an internal review. Other UK brands like Gold Medal and Travelbag are not impacted. The consultation's outcome remains uncertain, similar to the World Travel and Tourism Council situation. The decision awaits the completion of the consultation process. Travolution has reached out to Dnata for further comments.

🏠 Nov 13, 2025: In southern Gran Canaria, a five-year moratorium on tourist-apartment licences has been enacted, reshaping the holiday-rental market. Existing licences remain valid, but new ones are banned, affecting property values. Licensed properties may rise in value, while new or unlicensed units decline. Licence transfer restrictions add uncertainty. Local councils now control tourist accommodation planning. The law caps tourist housing at 10% of residential stock and aims to protect housing supply and curb over-tourism.

📈 Sonder Holdings will wind down its US operations immediately, seeking Chapter 7 liquidation due to financial struggles from integration challenges with Marriott. Marriott terminated their 2024 agreement to add over 9,000 Sonder units, affecting Marriott's projected 2025 net room growth, now adjusted to 4.5%. Sonder properties are no longer bookable through Marriott, and Marriott is prioritizing support for existing guests and addressing bookings made through other channels.

🏨 Jeremy Jones, Christie & Co, examines UK hotel inheritance tax impacts. When? From 6 April 2026. Where? UK. What? New inheritance tax rules will provide only 50% relief on asset values above £1 million. How? Hotel owners face reduced tax relief, influencing succession planning. In H1 2025, single-asset transactions surged to 85%, up from 18% in 2024. Independent hotels see robust demand despite cost pressures. Upcoming Autumn Budget on 26 November may further impact hotel profits.

🛬 Europe is experiencing its biggest border transformation since Schengen. As of October 2025, nation-by-nation rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) began, collecting biometric data from non-EU visitors. In 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require pre-trip authorisation. Airlines must verify passenger data, risking fines if unprepared. Many travelers remain unaware of these digital requirements, placing additional burdens on airlines to manage new responsibilities effectively.