Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🗺️ HOTREC and European tourism bodies oppose the EU's proposed ETIAS fee hike from €7 to €20, effective late 2026. They critique the increase's lack of proportionality and call for an impact assessment and alternative pricing models (€10 or €12). Marie Audren of HOTREC urges rejection of the proposal, advocating for reinvestment of surplus revenue into the tourism sector. The coalition highlights tourism's economic importance and seeks balanced measures to maintain Europe's appeal.

💳 Surcharges on credit card transactions are a common compliance issue in the hospitality industry due to rising processing fees. Varying state laws and card brand rules complicate this, making legal review and technology essential. Cash discounts offer an alternative but may affect brand perception. POS systems should provide fee transparency and flexibility. Regular payment audits and benchmarking against industry norms can prevent profit loss. Hospitality professionals must view payment processing as a controllable expense to avoid missing revenue opportunities.

💻 The EU Accessibility Act mandates accessible digital services by June 28, 2025, impacting platforms like SwiftBook. With 135 million Europeans having disabilities, compliance avoids penalties and broadens reach. SwiftBook’s new Accessibility Menu offers features like high-contrast modes and text enlargement, targeting a market controlling $1.2 trillion globally. Accessibility enhances usability, SEO, and inclusivity, offering a seamless booking experience for all, including the elderly and those with disabilities.

💰 Nearly 90% of short-term rental software vendors delay product launches due to high integration fees from property management systems, with fees reaching $10,000 or 20% of revenue. Only 1 vendor saw a return on investment, and 81% say the revenue model favors large platforms. Hospitable's No Rev Share Pledge invites vendors and platforms to end these fees, offering benefits like discounts to hosts. 78% of vendors support reform, aiming for innovation and choice.

Hospitable launches industry-wide pledge to fight back against PMS pay-to-play models and build a fairer software ecosystem SAN FRANCISCO, 15 July 2025 – Nearly 90% of short-term rental (STR) software vendors…

💰 Pandox Ireland Tuck Limited (Bidco) will acquire Dalata Hotel Group for €6.45 per share, a total equity value of €1.4 billion, representing a 35.5% premium. The deal, involving Pandox AB and Eiendomsspar AS, requires Dalata shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, with completion expected in Q4 2025. Dalata's portfolio, managed by Scandic Group, enhances Pandox’s Northern Europe presence.

📈 Since January, Decree 933/2021 mandates extensive data collection by travel and tourism providers in Spain, impacting competitiveness and costs. Critics, including Spanish hoteliers, claim it violates EU regulations and harms the tourism sector. The European Commission has been notified due to concerns about compliance with EU data protection laws. The decree, a response to the rise in private tourist stays, lacks clarity and enforceability, according to Ramón Estalella, General Secretary of CEHAT.

🚀 New York City, May 2025: Introduced Int. 762-B, adjusting delivery platform fees to 43%. Previous 15% cap included an extra 3% credit card fee, 20% for enhanced services, and 5% for miscellaneous fees. Mandatory notification to restaurant clients was due by June 30. Seattle's regulations: 15% fee cap, $30/hour pay for workers, and strict deactivation rules. DoorDash cites Seattle fees as double others, claiming higher costs and slower deliveries. Jersey City and Stamford explore similar regulatory measures.

📈 76% of travelers would pay more for a hotel with higher review scores, and they're 3.9 times more likely to choose a better-rated hotel at the same price. In 2024, Marriott settled for $52 million over breaches. A 2020 survey found 78% of consumers worry about personal data security, with 31% emphasizing brand loyalty linked to compliance. 70% of consumers may avoid online purchases if unsure about data protection. Invest in AI-driven platforms for compliance and guest trust.

💰 President Trump signed the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" into law on July 4. The bill, praised by the National Restaurant Association and AHLA, supports the $1.4 trillion restaurant industry, employing over 15 million people. It includes a "No Tax on Tips" provision, with $25,000 deductions for tipped servers and $12,500 for overtime pay, effective from 2025 to 2028. Tax reliefs include a 20% QBI deduction, full expensing, and family leave credits to spur growth and innovation.