Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🏨 Rua Al Madinah Holding and Adeera signed a partnership in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to manage 250 hotel rooms and 120 luxury units near the Prophet’s Mosque. The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to host 30 million visitors. Adeera joins global brands like Marriott and Hilton in the development, focusing on authentic Saudi hospitality. This initiative supports the Pilgrims Experience Program, enhancing Madinah's status as a cultural hub.

💻 November 18, 2025, the European Commission will unveil the Digital Omnibus on November 19, 2025. This initiative, a significant update since GDPR in 2018, aims to simplify EU digital regulations, reducing compliance costs. It addresses data, AI, and cybersecurity, altering cookie consent rules and acknowledging AI as a legitimate interest. It narrows sensitive data definitions and facilitates AI Act implementation. The proposal seeks clearer, streamlined regulations but may add complexity in some areas.

🚨 Sonder, founded in 2014, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in November 2025. Rapid expansion led to thousands of units across cities, including New York and Dubai. The tech-driven, asset-light model relied on long-term leases with short-term funding, leading to a $2 billion SPAC valuation in 2022. As investor tolerance waned and interest rates rose, financial strain intensified. Guests faced sudden evictions, and refunds were complex. The collapse underscores broader industry issues of trust and sustainable growth.

💰 HOTREC's 2025 study warns that a 1-point VAT increase could result in €8 billion sales losses and over 100,000 job cuts in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and the UK. Standard VAT rates may lead to 1 million job losses and a 0.5% GDP drop. Amsterdam could see hotel taxes top 33% by 2026. HOTREC urges against sharp tax hikes, advocating for coordinated policies to protect SMEs and rural economies.

📈 Hotels face increased guest acquisition costs due to privacy restrictions and transparency standards as of November 24, 2025. Privacy rules hinder tracking, while rising media costs boost cost per acquisition. Regulations like third-party cookie loss demand strategic shifts towards first-party data, SEO, and compliance. The Cendyn report highlights that hotels must adapt to a more regulated marketing environment, focusing on direct engagement and channel consistency to maintain trust and manage costs effectively. Read Cendyn's full report for more insights.

💵 PPHE Hotel Group has refinanced its loan with Aareal Bank for Park Plaza London Riverbank, extending maturity from June 2026 to June 2030. The £95.8 million facility carries a fixed interest rate of 3.248% until June 2026; post-2026, 85% moves to a 5.72% fixed rate. The loan includes no amortization and maintains loan-to-value and debt service covenants. PPHE's portfolio is valued at £2.2 billion as of December 2024.

📈 Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, testified in Washington, D.C., highlighting the economic impact of hotels, which generate nearly $900 billion in GDP and $83 billion in tax revenue annually, supporting 1 in 25 U.S. jobs. She urged legislative action as the U.S. prepares for global events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Maietta presented four policy recommendations, including H-2B visa expansion and restoring Brand USA funding. Rising operating costs challenge the industry post-pandemic.

🏨 In Washington, D.C., Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee to highlight hotels' economic impact. Travel and tourism generate nearly $900 billion GDP and $83 billion in tax revenue, supporting 1 in 25 American jobs. Post-pandemic recovery remains challenging with rising costs. Maietta advocated for policy changes, including visa reforms, Brand USA funding, preventing a government shutdown, and supporting the American Franchise Act to bolster the industry.

📈 Major hotel brands Travelodge, Hilton, Accor, and Booking.com faced ASA rulings for misleading "from" price claims. Travelodge's Nottingham and Swansea ads misled due to limited date availability. Hilton's ads, claiming prices of £68 and £59 for Hampton by Hilton, lacked substantial availability data. Booking.com's EasyHotel Sheffield ad was misleading, with limited bookings at £28 in May 2025. Accor's Birmingham ad, at £27, failed due to limited date clarity, while Sheffield's ad was cleared with supporting data. ASA mandates future ad compliance.

🗺 WASHINGTON, Wednesday - The VISIT USA Act, introduced in Congress, aims to restore funding to Brand USA, ensuring it promotes the U.S. abroad. This move is crucial as the nation gears up for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Expected outcomes include attracting nearly 40 million visitors and generating $100 billion in economic impact. Key supporters include Senators Sullivan, Klobuchar, Capito, Rosen, and Representatives Bilirakis, Castor.