Regulatory and Legal Affairs - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 40

2 min

CMA to investigate Hilton, IHG and Marriott over suspected data sharing

📈 The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and data provider CoStar over suspected sharing of competitively sensitive information via STR, a CoStar-owned hotel data tool. The probe examines if this data sharing reduced commercial uncertainty, potentially allowing coordinated behavior. IHG and CoStar committed to cooperating with the inquiry. The CMA aims to ensure new technologies foster fair competition, with potential law infringement statements following the investigation.

EU Code of Conduct Seeks to Enhance Trust with Verified Hotel Reviews on Platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb

📚 Mar 3, 2026, the European Commission introduced a voluntary Code of Conduct on Online Ratings and Reviews for Tourism Accommodation, involving Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia Group, Tripadvisor, HOTREC, and others. This non-binding framework enhances transparency and verifiability of hotel reviews, aligning with the EU's Digital Services Act. This initiative aims to bolster consumer trust and fair competition by explaining rating calculations and verification of guest feedback, responding to growing digital credibility concerns in the hospitality sector.

1 min

HOTELS Magazine’s “The List 2026” ranking survey now live!

📅 Hoteliers, for the 2026 edition of “The List” by HOTELS Magazine, submit your data by June 1st for the global ranking of hotel companies. This ranking will be featured in the July/August 2026 issue, focusing on the number of rooms and properties. Participation is voluntary, so ensure to submit your own data via the provided form. For inquiries, contact [email protected].

2 min

UK watchdog opens probe into three hotel chains and CoStar over data sharing

📈 UK Competition and Markets Authority launched a probe in March 2026 into Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and CoStar for potentially harmful data sharing affecting competitive rates. The investigation examines if sensitive data was shared via CoStar's analytics tool, breaching competition laws. CoStar insists its platform has been used for decades to evaluate market dynamics. IHG and Hilton confirmed cooperation, while Marriott hasn't commented. A similar lawsuit in 2025 was dismissed.

2 min

Oakham’s Wisteria Hotel brought to market

🏨 The Wisteria Hotel in Rutland is for sale for £1.8m after eight years with the current family owners. The property features 25 boutique-style rooms, a restaurant, a three-bedroom apartment, and event facilities for up to 80 guests. Built in 1604, it retains original features like fireplaces and beams. Located in Oakham, it offers access to tourist attractions. Christie and Co's Matt Hill is handling the sale, highlighting its excellent reviews and income streams.

3 min

PRISM-owned STR brand gains 10 former Sonder properties

🏠 Belvilla, a PRISM-owned brand, secured 10 U.S. properties from Sonder's bankruptcy proceedings, entering key markets like New York, New Orleans, and Denver. Operations began in Long Island City and New Orleans. The expansion reflects a strategic, economics-led approach with plans for future growth. Belvilla manages over 60,000 homes in Europe, while PRISM, its parent company, projects USD 280 million earnings for FY 2026, with operations spanning multiple continents.

3 min

Consultancy of the Year winners Advantage Utilities delivers £500,000+ in energy savings for UK leading hotel portfolio

🏨 Advantage Utilities won the 2025 TELCA "Consultancy of the Year for Large Customers" award for its role in reducing energy costs in the UK hotel sector. They saved one hotel portfolio over £500,000 in two years. Key clients include Peninsula Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, and Grantley Hall. Their services focus on procurement, efficiency, and carbon reporting without disrupting operations, ensuring hotels meet sustainability goals while maintaining guest experiences.

TMCs prioritise programme simplification, research reveals

🛫 42% of European travel managers struggle to access necessary data, while only 16% use it effectively. In 2026, 60% aim to simplify their programs due to clunky workflows, with 44% citing inefficient processes. 42% find opaque pricing models challenging to explain, and 36% book off-platform for lower prices. TMC bookings see a 15% decrease in traveler confidence. The study surveyed 120 managers across the UK and Europe, emphasizing a move towards transparent fee structures and automated workflows.

2 min

G6 Hospitality to “reduce engagement” with AAHOA

🛌 G6 Hospitality, parent of Motel 6 and Studio 6, is reducing its involvement with AAHOA immediately due to concerns about AAHOA's focus on economy hotels. G6, acquired by OYO (now PRISM) in 2024, follows previous actions by Choice Hotels in 2023 and Marriott in 2022. G6 attempted alignment but found governance and policy issues unresolved, leading to this decision. AAHOA represents nearly 20,000 members owning 60% of U.S. hotels.

5 min

From ICE to cap rates, hoteliers have an opinion

🏨 The triannual meeting of the Lodging Industry Investment Council took place at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in January. Hilton deflagged a Minneapolis hotel for refusing ICE agents, with 83% of LIIC members agreeing hotels should accommodate them. In 2025, U.S. hotel transactions totaled $24 billion, a 17.5% increase from 2024, yet lower than the 2015 peak of $45.7 billion. Hotel cap rates hovered above 5%, with predictions of staying flat or rising in 2026.

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