European hoteliers file collective action against Booking.com

Netherlands: A group of more than 25 national hotel associations across Europe has filed collective legal action against Booking.com in the Netherlands.

The lawsuit challenges the platform’s use of price parity clauses, which required hotels to offer the same or lower rates on Booking.com as on their own websites or other platforms.

The European Court of Justice ruled in September 2024 that such clauses are not “ancillary restraints” under EU competition law and may reduce competition. The ruling followed a case involving German hotels but is being used to support wider claims across Europe.

The legal action is coordinated by the Stichting Hotel Claims Alliance and is backed by HOTREC, which represents the European hospitality industry. It covers hotels that worked with Booking.com between 2004 and 2024.

Hotels that wish to join the claim can register via www.mybookingclaim.com before 31 July 2025.

Booking.com has disputed the scope of the ECJ ruling, stating that it related to a specific dispute in Germany and does not mean its parity clauses are illegal across Europe. The company argues that such clauses prevent free-riding and ensure fair competition on its platform.

The outcome of the legal action could impact how online booking platforms and hotels work together in the future.

Highlights: 

• More than 25 national hotel associations across Europe have filed a collective legal action against Booking.com in the Netherlands.

• The lawsuit challenges Booking.com’s use of price parity clauses, which required hotels to offer the same or lower rates on its platform as elsewhere.

• While the case focuses on hotels, it raises wider questions about OTA platform practices and market competition.