A large number of hotels across Europe are preparing to file lawsuits against the online travel agency Booking.com, accusing the platform of unfair and abusive business practices.

The move follows growing concerns among hotel operators about restrictive agreements and commission fees imposed by the company.

Hotels challenge restrictive agreements and commission fees

The planned legal action targets Booking.com’s contractual policies, which many hotels claim limit their ability to set prices independently or offer better deals on other platforms.

Several hotel owners argue that the company’s commission rates, often exceeding 15%, place a significant financial burden on small and medium-sized establishments.

This has led to calls for greater transparency and more balanced terms in agreements between online travel agencies and accommodation providers.

Impact on the European hospitality sector

The dispute highlights wider tensions within the European hospitality sector regarding the influence of dominant online booking platforms.

Hotels rely heavily on these sites for customer bookings, but many feel trapped by the strict conditions imposed.

Industry analysts suggest that the outcome of this legal challenge could reshape how online travel agencies negotiate contracts and fees with hotels in the future.

Regulatory scrutiny and consumer implications

Regulators have recently increased their focus on the practices of major booking platforms, investigating whether these companies abuse their market position.

 The European Commission and national competition authorities have examined issues related to price parity clauses and commission structures.

Consumers could be affected if changes lead to different pricing models or reduced availability of hotel deals through popular booking sites.

The lawsuits by hotels mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to balance the relationship between online agencies and accommodation providers.