Regulatory and Legal Affairs

📝 HOTREC and 14 European business groups express concerns about the European Commission’s Green Claims Directive, criticizing its complexity and potential to discourage legitimate sustainability efforts. Concerns include administrative burdens, unclear pre-approval rules, and legislative overlaps, risking innovation in microenterprises and SMEs. They urge EU policymakers to reconsider the directive's scope, align it with existing legislation effective in 2026, and engage with businesses for clear, enforceable rules.

💰 President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed in the Senate with a 50-50 vote, Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Key supporters include the National Restaurant Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association for its "pro-growth tax policies." The "No Tax on Tips" provision sparked criticism from labor groups and the Independent Restaurant Coalition. The bill impacts restaurant and hotel tax policies, creating mixed reactions. Critics call for amendments to ensure equitable tax relief for all workers.

💰 U.S. Senate passed President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill on Tuesday with a 51-50 vote. The bill includes eliminating tax on tips and making the 20% business income deduction permanent. It will return to the U.S. House for reconciliation. Key provisions are a $25,000 cap deduction on tips for workers earning up to $150,000, and a $12,500 deduction cap on overtime pay. Both bills propose permanent paid family leave credit and increase the employer-provided childcare credit to 40%.

🌿 In the late 90s, Penny and Armin Rembe saved a farm near Albuquerque, New Mexico, from becoming a subdivision. They purchased it with family funds and began focusing on biodynamic and organic farming, ultimately planting lavender. After seven years of securing permits, they opened a five-room bed and breakfast, which ran at a loss for five years. Their son Matt left NYC to join the venture, expanding the family's vision of agritourism.

🏨 HOTREC, representing 47 associations across 36 countries, highlights key facts: The European hospitality sector includes 2 million businesses and 10 million jobs, with 90% as micro-enterprises. Tourism contributes 10% to the EU GDP. Current challenges include high EU inflation, rising food and energy costs, geopolitical tensions near Ukraine, and ongoing skill and labor shortages. HOTREC supports the Competitiveness Compass, EU Single Market Strategy, and Union of Skills initiatives to boost the sector’s resilience and competitiveness.

📊 HOTREC, representing 47 associations in 36 countries, highlights key facts: Europe’s hospitality sector comprises 2 million businesses supporting over 10 million jobs, mostly SMEs and micro-enterprises. The sector contributes 10% to the EU's GDP. Despite resilience, challenges include high EU inflation, rising food and energy costs, and geopolitical instability, particularly near Ukraine. Post-pandemic, skill and labor shortages persist. HOTREC supports the EU's Competitiveness Compass and Single Market Strategy, emphasizing subcontracting flexibility without EU-level legislation.

📃 European Parliament's IMCO Committee report on Package Travel Directive revision noted by HOTREC. Adopted today, the report allows Member States to decide on prepayment limitations; HOTREC opposes this, aligning with Council's December 2024 and TRAN Committee’s April 2025 opinions. Concerns over 24-hour package definition and broad cancellation rights were highlighted. HOTREC seeks a balanced revision to protect consumer rights while supporting European hospitality growth.

🚩 President Donald Trump, in his second term starting January 2025, initiated significant immigration crackdowns affecting the restaurant industry with about one million undocumented workers. On January 20, Trump declared a national emergency at the Southern border and signed orders impacting birthright citizenship. By January 25, ICE arrests were ordered to rise to 1,200-1,500 daily. On June 16, DHS reversed pauses on enforcement in agricultural, hotel, and restaurant sectors, maintaining a daily arrest quota of 3,000.

📈 Thursday, 19 June 2025, Europe: HOTREC, Euro Coop, Independent Retail Europe, and RURALTOUR, representing over 3 million companies and 20 million jobs, have issued a joint statement on the Green Claims Directive. They express concerns about excessive bureaucracy, increased costs, and legal uncertainty. The statement urges EU legislators to delay finalizing the Directive until it is simplified. HOTREC emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental communication with SME competitiveness.

📅 June 28, 2025 deadline is set for the European Accessibility Act (EAA), affecting EU-focused hoteliers' digital channels. Complying involves adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA standards, ensuring websites are accessible for users with impairments. Key requirements include screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast. Beyond compliance, accessibility enhances user experience, SEO, and brand reputation. The Hotels Network aids compliance through personalized, inclusive tools, facilitating a seamless digital experience for all users.