Booking.com Hit With Italy Antitrust Probe Over Hotel Visibility

Key Points

• Italy's antitrust authority is investigating Booking.com over alleged preferential treatment of hotels in its preferred partner program.
• The AGCM claims that hotels paying higher commissions gain greater visibility, potentially misleading consumers and increasing average accommodation costs.
• Booking.com asserts its partner programs are optional and comply with regulations, and it has previously made commitments to address competition concerns.

Summary

Italy's antitrust regulator has launched an investigation into Booking.com, focusing on whether its preferred partner program gives undue visibility to hotels paying higher commissions, potentially misleading consumers and raising accommodation prices. The regulator argues this may distort competition and influence hotel pricing, while Booking.com maintains its programs are voluntary and compliant with regulations. This probe follows previous scrutiny, during which Booking.com committed to changes aimed at addressing competition concerns.