The CNMC initiates disciplinary proceedings against the platform for possible anti-competitive practices
The National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has launched disciplinary proceedings against the popular tourism reservation platform Booking.com, over possible restrictive practices that could lead to the abuse of a dominant position in relation to the brokerage services offered by various online travel agency agencies. (known as online travel agencies) to hotels.
In particular, these practices would include potentially imposing “unfair” conditions on hotels in Spain, as well as implementing commercial policies that could have foreclosure effects on other online travel agencies, as well as other sales channels. online.
In a statement, the body chaired by Cani Fernández said it is also investigating some practices that would “exploit the situation of economic dependence that hotels in Spain would have on Booking.com”.
In the view of the investigators, this would constitute an act of unfair competition to the detriment of the public interest and the time limit for examining the file and its resolution will henceforth be a maximum of 18 months.
The file initiated by the agency stems from two complaints lodged by the Spanish Association of Hotel Directors and the Hotel Business Association of Madrid, who filed their complaint last June, including criticism of the parity clause of prices and availability in the contracts with Booking whose direct consequence, according to the complainants, «is the provision on the OTA rate to the detriment of the hotel company.
After taking note of the complaint, Booking defended its model by recalling all the services it offers owners, such as the ability to advertise their properties at no initial cost or the translation of material into 44 languages from around the world. .
Remember that while advertising on the platform is free, owners pay a fixed percentage for each reservation received.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
