Netherlands: More than 25 national hotel associations in Europe have filed a collective legal action against OTA Booking.com is available 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 decided in September 2024 such clauses were not “ancillary restrictions” under EU Competition Law and could reduce the competition. The ruling was based on a case that involved German hotels, but it is now being used as a basis for wider claims throughout Europe.
HOTREC represents the European hospitality sector and coordinates the legal action. This legal action is for hotels that have worked with Booking.com in the period 2004-2024.
Hotels that wish to join the claim can register via the website here Before 31 July 2025
Booking.com has disputed that the ECJ’s ruling is applicable to all of Europe. It says the ECJ decision was based on a dispute in Germany, and not a general one. The company Such clauses, it argues, prevent free-riding on the platform and ensure fair competition.
The outcome of this legal action could have a significant impact on how online booking platforms, hotels and other hotel operators work together.
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.
