HOTREC European Hospitality

🚬️ On 18 September 2024, HOTREC responded to the European Commission’s revised recommendation on smoke-free environments. The organization supports the aim to shield EU citizens from second-hand smoke, but questions the impact of extending smoke-free areas to hospitality venues’ outdoor spaces. HOTREC calls for a thorough evaluation of the potential social and economic effects on tourism and hospitality sectors before implementing such a ban.

🏡 HOTREC, representing European hospitality, announces its move to a new office at Square de Meeûs 23, Brussels, in the EU quarter, near the European Parliament. Roberta Metsola (EPP, Malta) remains the President of the European Parliament after MPs gather in Strasbourg for the plenary session. The July newsletter mentions the upcoming collaboration on key EU policies affecting tourism and hospitality, and includes an interview on the Hungarian Presidency. Activities will resume in September after a summer break.

📝 The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) deal approved by EU ambassadors raises HOTREC's concerns about the balance between environmental goals and industry needs. The Digital Markets Act's (DMA) implementation is key as there are issues with Google's search visibility for direct suppliers, paralleled by Booking.com's impending gatekeeper status designation. Labour shortages in the hospitality industry prompt the EU to present an action plan on Labour and Skills, while the EU Talent Pool proposal seeks to improve labour mobility. Meanwhile, HOTREC prepares for its General Assembly in Budapest on April 24-26, 2024.

🏨 HOTREC's 2024 Hotel Distribution Study highlights the dominance of Booking.com, which now holds a 71% market share, up 10% over the past decade. European hotels increasingly depend on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), with direct bookings on the decline. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to address this imbalance by implementing fair digital rules for a more equitable industry, potentially enabling hotels to offer better rates on their own channels. Key stats show OTA undercut prices in 40% of cases and electronic distribution accounts for 45% of overnight stays booked online. The study was conducted by HOTREC and HES-SO Valais Wallis, analyzing data from over 3,000 European hotels.