Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🛢 In 2026, hotel algorithmic pricing faces antitrust risks under the Sherman Act's Section 1 due to shared pricing software. The DOJ and FTC argue against using algorithms to coordinate prices. Key cases, Gibson v. Cendyn (dismissed) and Cornish-Adebiyi v. Caesars (proceeding), highlight differing court views. California's AB 325, effective January 2026, tightens rules on shared pricing algorithms. RMS users must ensure pricing independence and understand data paths to mitigate legal risks.

💸 On September 28, the European Commission released a fact sheet on Booking.com's compliance with the Digital Markets Act. By November 14, 2024, Booking.com, a gatekeeper from May 2024, will allow hotels to offer different prices on other channels, including direct sites. Parity clauses vanished in 2024. Greece, Italy, and Spain continue related investigations, with Spain's €413.24 million fine on hold. Changes affect programs like Genius and Booking Sponsored Benefit, enhancing transparency and performance data access.

🗺 PATA and TTRA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance tourism research collaboration, focusing on knowledge exchange and professional engagement. This partnership, based in Bangkok, leverages PATA’s Asia Pacific network and TTRA’s global community to support sustainable tourism development. The agreement promotes shared events, marketing, and professional engagement opportunities, fostering stronger industry connections. PATA, founded in 1951, aims to advance the Pacific Asia tourism economy through innovation and collaboration.

📚 AHLA Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., just awarded over $817,000 in scholarships to 256 students for the 2026–2027 academic year. Almost 95% of recipients are from historically underrepresented communities, attending 78 institutions, including 52 AHLA-affiliated and 26 non-affiliated schools. Scholarships aim to support hospitality education, focusing on academic performance and financial need, to nurture the next generation of industry leaders. Kevin Carey, AHLA Foundation's CEO, emphasizes the importance of these scholarships in fostering industry innovation.

💸 Sep 30, 2026: In the EEA, Booking.com removed "competitive" labels from its extranet, following the EU's Digital Markets Act. This change impacts hotels in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Prices on external sites are now informational, not affecting eligibility for Booking Sponsored Benefit. The parity clauses were banned across the EEA since November 2024. Switzerland, the UK, and the US remain unaffected by these changes.

🌎 Effective Sunday, Europe's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EmpCo) targets unverified sustainability claims, ensuring EU consumer protection worldwide. EmpCo prohibits vague terms, carbon-neutral claims reliant on offsetting, and demands verified third-party or public authority certification for sustainability labels. The travel and tourism industry praises this move for fostering transparency and consistency. The law also regulates comparison tools and eco-labels for hotels, enhancing consumer trust in environmental claims.

📈 In Lore Group's second ESG report, a 50.91% drop in greenhouse gas emissions is noted, with carbon intensity decreasing from 16.4kg CO2e per room in 2023 to 8.8kg in 2025. Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions declined by 45.53%, 11.56%, and 41.36%, respectively. By March, Lore funded 100 million liters of safe water through Made Blue. The group joined the Global Hotel Alliance in February 2024, enhancing its global presence.

💸 Scottish Government and SNP urge UK government to cut VAT on hospitality to 10%. Over 100 Scottish hospitality figures back the campaign, including chefs Tom Kitchin and Lorna McNee. UK Treasury lobbied via letters from Deputy First Minister Jennifer Gilruth and SNP member Calum Kerr. #VATsTheProblem campaign boasts 390,000 supporters. Previous VAT cuts during the pandemic set a precedent, but UK government remains resistant, citing cost concerns. Scottish interventions include business rates relief.

📅 Who? HOSPA. When? November 12, 2026. Where? Royal Lancaster London. What? The Inspirational Leader Awards by HOSPA will recognize leaders in five categories: finance, revenue management, technology, ESG, and commercial success. How? By celebrating individuals contributing to the growth of the UK hospitality sector. The event, part of the HOSPACE conference, will gather over 600 industry professionals for discussions and networking. For more details and participation, visit www.hospace.org.

📅 Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s leading third-party hotel management company, has taken over management for 10 hotels owned by a joint venture between Prospect Ridge and Fulcrum Hospitality. Located across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Texas, and West Virginia, these hotels include Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt brands. Several are near major universities like Auburn and West Virginia. Some hotels have completed renovations, with more improvements planned. Aimbridge operates over 80 global lodging brands, delivering outstanding results.