Regulatory and Legal Affairs

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Legal and regulatory news for hospitality: laws, compliance and policy affecting hotels and their operators.

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Now Accepting Nominations for the 2026 Young Leader Award at Questex’s IHIF EMEA

📅 Berlin, March 23-25, 2026: The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) is now accepting nominations for the Young Leader Award at Questex’s International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF EMEA). Candidates must be 35 or younger, born on or after April 1, 1991, and active in hospitality. The nomination deadline is midnight GMT, February 2, 2026. Nominees need a sponsor from their organization or direct work experience. More details can be found on the ISHC Young Leader Award webpage.
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A Message from Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association

🛫 Nearly 20 state bills introduced since early 2023 could impact travel tech by 2026. These bills aim to restrict AI in pricing based on consumer data, possibly increasing costs and hindering revenue strategies. The conflicting state laws raise legal uncertainties, affecting dynamic pricing for travel services. Travel Tech is monitoring these developments and advising industry stakeholders. Engaging early is crucial to mitigating risks and informing policymakers about potential adverse effects on the travel industry.
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Most luxury hotel groups think growth is an operational challenge. Hyatt… | David Newman

🏨 In 2026, Hyatt's strategic approach to growth focuses on governance rather than operation. Expanding to over 1,400 properties, Hyatt emphasizes identity arbitration over standardization. Key brands like Park Hyatt, Thompson, and Alila maintain distinct identities, balancing creative freedom within clear constraints. This model streamlines decision-making and preserves brand character, allowing Hyatt to thrive globally without diluting luxury. By clarifying authority, Hyatt ensures continuity, not repetition, across diverse cultural expectations.
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Trip.com antitrust probe exposes the hotel pricing paradox

🏨 Jan 22, 2026, China: Despite record travel volumes, China's hotel sector struggles with stagnant room yields. Hoteliers blame pricing pressure from Trip.com Group Ltd, which controls 56% of China’s online travel market. Alleged forced discounts of 15% or more and exclusive arrangements are under antitrust investigation. Major brands like Marriott and Hilton report revenue declines. Rapid capacity expansion and competitive pressures further impact profitability. Reduced visibility on Trip.com occurs without offering lowest rates.
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U.S. hotels report first full-year occupancy, RevPAR declines since 2020

📈 U.S. hotel occupancy in 2025 dropped to 62.3% (-1.2%), with RevPAR at $100.02 (-0.3%). New York City led with 84.1% occupancy, $333.71 ADR, and $280.71 RevPAR. San Francisco's ADR rose 6.0% to $225.82, with an 11.8% RevPAR increase. St. Louis occupancy climbed 6.5% to 61.7%. Houston saw the largest occupancy drop (-8.6% to 58.9%), while Las Vegas faced ADR and RevPAR declines of 4.3% and 10.9%, respectively.
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Hospitality sector loses almost 9,000 jobs in December

📈 In December 2025, the UK hospitality sector employed 8,784 fewer people than November and 20,014 fewer than September. The decline coincided with typically busy festive hiring. Rising employment costs and changes to employer National Insurance contributions are cited as reasons. UKHospitality urges government action to increase the business rates discount to 20p to mitigate April's scheduled business rate hikes. Chief executive Allen Simpson warns of the sector's potential stifled by increased tax burdens, risking further job losses and closures.
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Hotels and holiday parks warn rates rises threaten viability

🏨 Over 130 hotel and holiday park operators, including Hilton and Marriott, urge the Chancellor for a hospitality-wide business rates solution due to impending hikes. By UKHospitality analysis, rates could rise 115% over three years, reaching £205,200, endangering jobs and investment. The coalition warns of costs passed to consumers worsening the cost-of-living crisis. They highlight a need for comprehensive sector support beyond pubs to sustain business viability and counter inflationary pressures.
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Expedia’s quiet advance into Europe’s hotel market

📈 Jan 20, 2026: In Europe, the online travel market is evolving. Booking.com faces EU Digital Markets Act regulations, limiting rate parity and compliance. Expedia Group shifts strategies, expanding B2B partnerships with banks, airlines, and fintechs, instead of direct consumer traffic competition. This creates fragmented distribution options and requires hoteliers to rethink channel mix and pricing. The changing landscape offers opportunities for hotels to diversify and rebalance their reliance on dominant OTAs like Booking.com.
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Revo Hospitality files for insolvency in Germany and Austria

💸 Germany/Austria: Revo Hospitality, previously HR Group, filed for insolvency with restructuring by summer 2026. Rising costs and rapid expansion led to this situation. From 51 hotels in 2020, they expanded to 250, but projected 2025 revenues weren't met. 125 hotels and 5,500 staff are affected but will continue operating. Pre-financing for salaries (Jan-Mar 2026) is sought, overseen by Gordon Geiser and Benedikt de Bruyn of GT Restructuring, aiming for international investors.
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