The class action lawsuit filed against Booking.com is now receiving extensive coverage in the leading German media, with Bild, ZDF, DER SPIEGEL and S?ddeutsche Zeitung covering the case.
This was noted in a post by the president of the Hellenic Hotel Association and Hotrec, Alexandros Vassilikos, recalling that this is a legal initiative with a pan-European dimension, in which more than 10,000 hotels are already participating. Its aim is to claim compensation and highlight long-standing unfair practices in the digital tourism market.
The lawsuit is coordinated by the Hotel Claims Alliance, with the support of HOTREC Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Caf?s in Europe and more than 30 national hotel associations.
This initiative sends out a strong message of unity and advocacy:
The hotel industry is demanding a fairer and more transparent digital market, for the benefit of both businesses and travelers.
Over 10,000 hotels take action against Booking.com over “best price” clauses
More than 10,000 hotels across Europe are filing a class action lawsuit against Booking.com, seeking compensation for the so-called “best price” clauses imposed by the platform over the past 20 years.
The hoteliers claim that Booking.com forced them not to offer lower prices either on their own websites or on other booking platforms. This practice – known as a parity clause – was found illegal by European courts, as it restricts competition and harms hoteliers.
The Class Action has been filed in the Netherlands, where Booking.com is headquartered, and covers the period 2004-2024. The effort is supported by more than 30 national hotel associations, while the deadline for participation for hotels wishing to claim compensation ends on August 29, 2025.
This case is considered historic for the European hotel market, as Booking.com controls approximately 70% of online bookings in Europe and its decisions directly affect the prices and revenues of thousands of accommodation units.
