Regulatory and Legal Affairs - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 42

2 min

New Guidelines to Prevent Third-Party Violence and Harassment at Work

🚨 On Tuesday, 06 May 2025, the European Multi-sectoral Social Partners released guidelines to address third-party violence and harassment (TPVH) at work, aiming to improve workplace health and safety. Key aspects include implementing TPVH policies, making tools accessible, raising risk awareness, and developing preventive measures. HOTREC and EFFAT support the guidelines, emphasizing protection and quality service in hospitality, and advocate for national implementation and sharing of practices.

2 min

Great Rail Journeys acquired by Vitruvian…

🚂 Great Rail Journeys, a rail specialist tour operator founded in 1973 in York, was acquired by Vitruvian Partners for an undisclosed amount. The management team, led by CEO Dave Riley, remains, as former investors Duke Street exit. The company offers over 400 global itineraries with a TTV growth from £88 million in 2018 to £175 million in the current financial year. This acquisition adds to Vitruvian's travel portfolio, which includes Travel Counsellors, Sykes Cottages, Civitatis, Klook, and OAG. Under Duke Street’s ownership, Great Rail Journeys doubled its profits and expanded into the US and river cruise markets.

2 min

Lightning, Hail, and Little Arms of Welcome

💥 A severe storm resulted in extensive damage to a home, with a lightning strike causing the loss of power and hurling objects across a room. The home, constructed with about $20,000 of salvaged materials 25 years ago, now faces rewiring costs estimated by an electrician at $100,000 due to melted insulation. The family's car was also damaged by hail two days later. Amidst these challenges, the author finds solace in their child's affectionate greeting, highlighting the importance of simple joys and love.

4 min

Marriott International to Acquire the citizenM Brand

💰 TPG Capital to acquire Sabre's Hospitality Solutions for $1.1 billion in cash. Hospitality Solutions serves over 40% of top hotel brands with a SaaS platform. Sabre's net proceeds of approximately $960 million will largely pay down debt. The deal, advised by Haynes Boone, was announced on April 28, 2025, and is expected to close by the end of Q3 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

2 min

M&A activity in travel ‘taking longer’ amid…

🏨 Amid market volatility and US President Donald Trump's tariffs, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the travel sector are experiencing delays, as seen with 3i Group postponing the sale of Audley Travel. Despite these hurdles, interest remains high, with transactions subject to more extensive due diligence, according to Martin Alcock and Henry Wells. The deal-making environment is challenging, with a surplus of sellers over buyers, yet opportunities exist for committed investors, per Christopher Jones. Nicola Sartori notes persistent deal activity, especially in the small to mid-sized market, even as timelines extend beyond pre-Covid norms.

Peachtree secures USCIS approval for four regional centers

🏦 Peachtree Group received U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval for four regional centers to structure and sponsor EB-5 projects across the continental U.S. Peachtree plans to integrate EB-5 capital into its investment strategy and has already secured three I-956F approvals for hotel projects, including Home2 Suites by Hilton in Boone, N.C., TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Palmdale, Calif., and SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bryce Canyon City, Utah, since launching its EB-5 program in 2023. The EB-5 visa program requires a minimum investment of $800,000, creating at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Peachtree aims to expand EB-5 projects and foster investor relationships.

3 min

Fraud Hiding in Plain Sight: How Fake Hotel Sites Are Stealing Billions

🛒 A systemic fraud issue in the hotel booking industry affects consumer trust and costs billions, as fake sites use brand keywords in Google Ads, driving up marketing costs for legitimate hotels. Europe's CMA launched an investigation into OTAs in 2018, but the issue persists. The U.S. Senate's Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2019 failed to pass. In 2024, the London-based roomangel Foundation introduced the "Verified by roomangel" stamp, allowing hotels to verify their websites at no cost to combat fraud and reassure consumers.

2 min

The Trump administration is moving to ban artificial food dyes

🧪 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a phase-out of synthetic food dyes under Trump's administration. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary will provide details on Tuesday. Before 2025, FDA approved dyes like Blue 1, Blue 2, and Red 40. In January, the FDA decided to ban Red No. 3 by 2027. California and West Virginia passed laws restricting synthetic dyes. Kennedy met with food manufacturers without pushback on removing dyes. A 2021 study linked synthetic dyes to ADHD in children.

1 min

EU Talent Pool

📈 European sectoral employers support the establishment of an EU Talent Pool to match employers with third country national jobseekers, addressing skills and labour shortages and demographic challenges. They welcome the Council's general approach (10602/24) and the European Parliament's position (2023/0404(COD)) on the proposed Regulation. Priorities include a voluntary tool for all skill levels, participation of social partners in the steering committee, potential for accelerated immigration procedures, and awareness campaigns. A call is made for a rapid compromise agreement and commitment to support implementation. (Date: Wednesday, 16 April 2025)

1 min

Hotel Tax Explained: Rates, Types & How It Works in 2025

🏨 In 2025, a comprehensive guide titled "Hotel Tax Explained" provides essential information on hotel taxes, including various types, rates, and rules worldwide. It serves as a vital resource for travelers and hoteliers to manage tax compliance effectively. The content was authored by Vanshikha Dhar and published on Hotelogix Blog, known for offering tips and trends in the hospitality industry.

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