Articles tagged “eu”

Even as America reopens, its failed pandemic response means that tourists will be crossing its borders in and out of it much less for a while to come.

The European single market is a sacred thing and anyone caught trying to divide it up like the old days is liable to be on the receiving end of a punishment. In this case, Meliá's cooperation with the investigation has helped cut its fine.

Google has argued for years that its boxed-up and featured hotel, flight, and restaurant results are highlighted because they provide users with the "best answers." But in Europe, regulators may have pushed Google to acquiesce, offering its competitors some air time in its featured results by testing direct links.

What will happen with Brexit is still anyone's guess. But the end of the "freedom of movement" — which is the most likely outcome in the event of any Brexit deal or no deal — will present existential hiring challenges for the tourism sector's labor force.

Once again — and this time it's the issue of pricing transparency in alternative lodging — European regulators are out in front of their counterparts in other parts of the world, including those in the United States. Travelers shouldn't have to be detectives in trying to figure out what their lodging tab will be.

After granting a Brexit extension, EU leaders urged the UK not to waste this extra time – but that is precisely what politicians have done. Talk of leaving without a deal has grown in recent weeks and that should terrify travel businesses, even those who would enjoy a boost in inbound visitors.

Booking.com CEO Gillian Tans sounds like a typical corporate boss, opposing additional taxation as anti-business. The proposed EU tax on revenue would amount to double taxation, and that's seldom a good thing.

With another multibillion dollar fine handed down, we might be getting nearer to the European Commission taking a closer look at Google's travel products.

Much of the European tourism industry has emerged from the doldrums of 2015 and 2016 stronger than ever, but not without fault lines to keep track of, such as hotels and alternative accommodations. The latter is proving it's a sector that's holding its weight against hotels across much of the continent.

While there is no specific mention of the big Gulf airlines, they would likely be a target for any new measure designed to rein in supposed anti-competitive practices. European airlines, alongside those in the U.S., have long said the likes of Emirates and Etihad have an unfair advantage. European airlines surely welcome any new rule that attempts to level the playing field.