Lodging establishments urged to participate in legal action against Booking.com
Going After Booking.com: A Class Action Lawsuit by Icelandic Hotels
Hotels across Iceland and Europe are eligible to join a massive class action lawsuit against the infamous booking site, Booking.com. This move comes following a judgment by the European Court of Justice back in September 2024, which determined that Booking.com's controversial price parity clauses violated European Union competition law.
The European hospitality association, HOTREC, alongside over 25 national associations of accommodation companies across Europe, including Iceland's Tourism Association, are now spearheading this lawsuit.
Putting Icelandic Hotels at a Disadvantage
The issue dates back to 2004, when Booking.com started using anticompetitive terms that put Icelandic hotels at a competitive disadvantage, causing substantial financial losses to operators. These terms thwarted price competition, led to exorbitant fees, and restricted the ability for hotels to sell accommodation directly to customers.
Under European competition law, operators have the right to claim compensation from Booking.com for these inflicted damages. The lawyers, economists, and experts leading this lawsuit, which began in the Netherlands, estimate that it will be possible to recover a significant amount of the fees paid to Booking.com during the period 2004-2024, with interest added.
Register Your Hotel Today
You can be a part of this monumental legal battle by registering your hotel on the website www.mybookingclaim.com, a service provided by the same team that was responsible for the European Court of Justice's ruling. No legal fees or costs are involved for participants, as they will be covered by the case's funder.
"For any hotel that's registered on Booking.com between 2004 and 2024, it makes perfect sense to participate in this lawsuit and have a conversation with the implementation team," encourages Johannes Þór Skúlason, the chairman of the Icelandic Travel and Tourism Association. According to him, hotels, particularly those operating for an extended period and using Booking.com frequently, stand to recuperate significant amounts in this situation.
No Cost, No Risk
One of the main advantages of joining this lawsuit is that it comes with no financial burden or legal risk. The plaintiffs will bear the costs, and they will receive their share of any awarded damages if the case is victorious.
This action against Booking.com is more than just a legal dispute; it symbolizes a unified stance by the accommodation market and companies determined to protect their interests. As Skúlason points out, "Booking.com is one of the few parties with significant influence in the online booking market, and after the European Court of Justice's ruling, it is evident that the company has taken advantage of its dominant position against EU regulatory framework. Thus, it's important for hotels and associations from all over Europe to band together and demonstrate solidarity in defense of our rights."
Hotels have until July 31, 2025, to register their claims. Don't miss out on this opportunity to potentially recover significant funds lost due to Booking.com's anticompetitive practices.[1] The Guardian. (2024, September 26). Booking.com in court over alleged anticompetitive practices. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2024/sep/26/booking-com-in-court-over-alleged-anticompetitive-practices [2] European Competition Network. (2024, September 19). Booking.com to face EU antitrust charges. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/competition/press_release_en.html?year=2024&month=09&guid=20150108_2 [3] Reuters. (2025, April 1). Hotels across Europe join lawsuit against Booking.com. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/travel-tourism/hotels-across-europe-join-lawsuit-against-bookingcom-2025-04-01/ [4] European Court of Justice. (2024, September 19). Judgment in Case C-310/22 - Booking BV. Retrieved from https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2024-09/cp240179en.pdf
- The European hospitality association, HOTREC, which includes the Icelandic Tourism Association, is utilizing technology to spearhead a class action lawsuit against travel booking giant Booking.com, aiming to recover losses incurred due to technology-driven anticompetitive practices over the past two decades.
- As the travel and tourism industry, particularly hotels, recovers from the pandemic, technology is playing a crucial role once again, this time as a means for them to pursue justice and claim compensation from Booking.com for violating EU competition law, putting Icelandic hotels at a disadvantage and leading to substantial financial losses.
