EDITOR'S COMMENT
• There are plenty of complexities to navigate as an online travel agency [OTA] but this year so far has felt like a turning point with even more challenges to address.
Booking.com's investigation by the Dutch Public Prosecutor over the alleged listing of vacation homes in Israeli settlements is not the first time that an OTA has been dragged into a geopolitical storm, but it does demonstrate how quickly these matters can arise and the scrutiny that these companies now face, not just from the public but also authorities - including human rights organisations. Its counterpart Airbnb previously came under fire in 2018 for having - and later removing rental listings in the West Bank from its platform as it was accused of discriminating against Jewish people.
OTAs have also come under the microscope for matters of political and social importance too. On one hand, they have become something of a political football for governments and authorities attempting to regulate the platforms for taking away market share from accommodation providers e.g. hotels and ensuring that they pay all of their relevant taxes. On the other hand, the OTAs are also accused of failing to address the alleged illegal subletting of social housing and contributing to housing shortage crises across the world, all while governments justify the need to build more houses for families and first-time renters.
Now that firms like Airbnb have gone public and Booking Holdings has been designated a gatekeeper for Booking.com under the EU's Digital Markets Act [DMA], it is a sign that more people and authorities are recognising the power and market share of these platforms, and they will speak out against or regulate them when matters affecting their lives or businesses become intertwined. As a new gatekeeper, it will be intriguing to see how Booking adapts to offer more choice and freedom to end users in the coming months - and the ensuing reaction.
• Don't miss our upcoming data-led webinar next Tuesday 11 June [sponsored by Key Data and Lodgify] on 'Squeezing the pips – maximising peak period business'. Our speakers include Sally Henry [Key Data] and James Begley [Lodgify] - sign up here at no cost.
• I'm excited to attend a number of events this week, starting with the 46th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, before the Skift Data & AI and Short-Term Rental Summits. Do let us know if you are also planning to attend.
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