Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🛬 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.

📈 The U.S. government shutdown, ongoing for one month, is projected to cost $7-$14 billion. Washington, D.C.’s $8 billion restaurant market, with 2,660 establishments, is heavily impacted. Upscale restaurants face a 6.8% drop in traffic and a 5.7% drop in sales. The shutdown, combined with consumer pessimism and fewer government employees, exacerbates the situation. The Cheesecake Factory anticipates a 1% revenue decline for Q4. Analysts suggest a conservative outlook as companies like CAVA and Sweetgreen face high exposure in D.C.

💸 US government shutdown since October 1 has cost the hotel industry $650 million, losing $31 million daily. Over 30 hospitality associations, including AHLA, plead for resolution to protect holiday travel. Shutdown impacts travel, causing trip cancellations and weakened consumer confidence. The hotel sector supports 2.1 million direct jobs and almost nine million overall. Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s CEO, calls for urgent government action to safeguard the vital travel and hospitality sectors.

🖼 HOTREC and partners in the European Tourism Industry Coalition issued a letter on October 29, 2025, addressing EU institutions. The letter outlines key recommendations for the revision of the Package Travel Directive (PTD). Key priorities include deleting the 24-hour package definition, removing rigid prepayment limitations, avoiding overlapping complaint mechanisms, and supporting risk-based insolvency protection. They urge for legal clarity, proportionality, and harmonization to safeguard consumers and maintain the tourism sector's competitiveness.

🌎 On October 29, 2025, HOTREC and the European Tourism Industry Coalition addressed EU institutions regarding the Package Travel Directive. The coalition stresses a balanced regulatory framework, emphasizing consumer protection and industry competitiveness. Key points include opposition to a 24-hour package definition, removal of prepayment limits, and clearer "force majeure" criteria. They advocate for legal clarity and harmonization in the final directive. For detailed recommendations, view the full joint letter.

📘 Decorex 2025, ILIV introduced two fabric lines: Vento and Monterey. Both collections are available in 19 colorways. Vento offers fire-retardant, plain boucle drapery with soft textures, ideal for commercial use. Monterey features a textured hopsack chenille with a multi-tonal finish, suitable for diverse settings. These collections ensure safety, sustainability, and design flexibility, catering to hospitality, workplace, and residential interiors. Custom print services are also available for bespoke projects.

🏠 Denmark’s Dan Jørgensen, EU's housing commissioner since 2024, warns that short-term rentals are a "huge problem" for European cities, urging action against a "social crisis" sparked by platforms like Airbnb. An EU affordable housing plan, anticipated in December 2023, aims to address this, originally slated for 2026. Spain plans a 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU residents. EU leaders will discuss housing at an upcoming summit.

💻 Spain, October 15, 2025: RateGain Technologies' Spain office receives its first Great Place to Work® certification outside India. Employee feedback highlights its people-first culture and ‘AI & I’ philosophy. RateGain, a leading AI-powered SaaS provider, collaborates with 3,200+ customers in 100+ countries. Founded in 2004, it partners with major hotel chains, online travel agents, and airlines. RateGain's global impact continues through innovation, trust, and employee empowerment.

📌 Hospitality leaders met in Paphos, Cyprus, for HOTREC's 91st General Assembly. The event highlights ongoing issues in Europe's 2 million hospitality businesses, including labor shortages, rising costs, and geopolitical challenges. Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, emphasized the EU tourism agenda ahead of Cyprus's 2026 EU Council Presidency. HOTREC leaders stress the need for EU-wide solutions. The 92nd Assembly will occur in Cork, Ireland, in April 2026.