Over 10,000 hotels across Europe take Booking.com to court for unfair pricing rules

Over 10,000 European hotels have launched a class-action lawsuit against a major online travel platform, seeking compensation for two decades of alleged antitrust violations related to its “best price” clauses. Following a European Court of Justic...

By ET Online | Aug 04, 2025, 02.22 PM IST

More than 10,000 hotels across Europe have filed a class-action lawsuit against Booking.com, seeking compensation for alleged antitrust violations spanning 20 years. The legal action follows a 2024 ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that deemed the online travel platform’s “best price” clauses illegal.

These clauses had prohibited hotels from offering cheaper rates on other platforms or their own websites. The European court held that such practices restricted competition and violated antitrust laws. The clauses have since been scrapped within the European Economic Area following the enforcement of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) 2024.

The Hotel Claims Alliance is leading the lawsuit, which is being heard in the Netherlands, where Booking.com is headquartered. The effort is backed by over 30 national hotel associations, including Germany’s IHA and Italy’s Federalberghi, and coordinated by the European Hotel Alliance Hotrec.

“European hoteliers have long suffered from unfair conditions and excessive costs,” said Alexandros Vassilikos, President of Hotrec. “Abusive practices in the digital market will not be tolerated by the hotel industry in Europe.”

The lawsuit seeks damages for the years 2004 to 2024. Hoteliers argue that Booking.com’s former pricing clauses restricted competition and undermined their ability to attract guests through direct channels. According to IHA Executive Director Markus Luthe, “The class action lawsuit has received overwhelming support.” As a result, the registration deadline has been extended to August 29.

Despite the friction, many hotels still rely on Booking.com for visibility and bookings. A joint study by Hotrec and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland Valais found that Booking Holdings controlled 71% of Europe’s online hotel booking market in 2023, rising to 72.3% in Germany. Over the same decade, direct bookings in Germany fell by more than eight percent.

A complete guide to Europe for the first time visitor: 10-day itinerary and how much it will cost you

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Indian travelers planning to visit Schengen countries should apply for their visa at least 3 to 6 weeks before their intended travel date. Schengen visa applications can be submitted as early as 6 months before the travel date and no later than 15 working days prior to departure.

Key Information Indians Should Know
1. Choose the Correct Embassy
- Apply at the embassy/consulate of the country where you plan to spend the most time.
- If visiting multiple countries for equal durations, apply at the country you’ll enter first.

2. Required Documents
- Visa Application Form: Available online or at visa centers.
- Passport: Valid for at least 3 months after your return date, with two blank pages.
- Travel Insurance: Covering at least €30,000 (~?2.6 lakh).
- Flight Tickets: Confirmed round-trip reservations.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or invitation letters.
- Financial Proof: Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds (~?7,000/day of stay).
- Itinerary: A day-by-day travel plan.

3. Visa Fees and Processing Time
- Fee: €80 (~?7,000) for adults; reduced rates for children.
- Processing Time: Typically 15 working days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons.

4. Biometric Data Requirement
- First-time Schengen visa applicants must provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

5. Travel Insurance
- This is mandatory and must cover the entire trip duration.

6. Tips for Approval
- Ensure all documents are complete and consistent.
- Be clear about your travel purpose and return plans.
- Avoid last-minute applications, especially during peak seasons like summer or holidays.
- By planning ahead and following these guidelines, Indian travelers can enjoy a smooth visa application process and focus on exploring Europe.