Organised by the World Tourism Forum Institute, the meeting will take place at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium under the theme “Investment and Security”. Organisers expect participants from more than 50 countries, with a programme connecting tourism investment to European policy priorities, including transport, climate resilience and border management.

The agenda was presented on 19 October at the Press Club Brussels Europe during a briefing bringing together journalists, tourism representatives and business partners. António Buscardini, President of the Press Club Brussels Europe and Editor-in-Chief of Travel Tomorrow, opened and moderated the discussion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bulut Bağcı (@bulutbagci)

Turning tourism ambitions into investment

Bulut Bağcı, President of the World Tourism Forum Institute, outlined the Forum’s development and its emphasis on connecting governments with investors, hospitality operators and development finance institutions.

“Our ambition is to turn dialogue into projects and partnerships that destinations can deliver. In Brussels, we want to connect governments and investors while addressing the security and confidence that long-term tourism investment requires,” said Bağcı.

His presentation highlighted the Angola Investment Summit, held in Luanda in June 2026. According to the organisers, the summit concluded with ten memoranda of understanding covering investment, hotel operations, training, sustainability and technology.

In Brussels, the first day will examine how tourism plans can become projects capable of securing finance. Sessions will address public-private partnerships, hospitality development and the combination of public funding with private capital. An Investment Deal Room is also planned.

Lilla Harangozó, Head of Office at Capital European Affairs, presented the forthcoming programme. “The two days address one connected challenge: how to attract investment and protect the confidence that makes it possible. The programme links financing and destination development with the transport, security and resilience that tourism depends on,” she said.

Security and a more balanced tourism economy

The second day will examine cybersecurity, border systems, major events and crisis management. The programme also includes discussions on transport security and climate and health resilience.

“Europe needs a more balanced distribution of tourism, with investment helping more destinations benefit while easing pressure on those already receiving large numbers of visitors. Hosting this discussion in Brussels brings that challenge closer to the institutions and businesses that can help address it,” said Buscardini.

Csilla Mezösi, Secretary General of the European Spas Association, shared her expectations for the Annual Meeting, bringing a health tourism perspective to the discussions on investment and destination development. Her presentation highlighted a network of more than 1,400 health resorts and clinics, illustrating the sector’s place within Europe’s tourism economy.

What Brussels stands to gain

Geert Cochez, Deputy CEO of visit.brussels, highlighted the economic and professional value of international congresses. His presentation cited average participant spending of €456, alongside €416 in organiser spending per participant.

“International congresses create value for Brussels through visitor spending, but their contribution also extends to knowledge and professional relationships. Hosting the Global Tourism Forum is an opportunity to showcase the city’s expertise and strengthen its connections with the international tourism community,” he said.

The November meeting will bring these perspectives together, linking investment decisions with the conditions destinations need to remain accessible, resilient and attractive.

L’article Global Tourism Forum unveils agenda for November gathering in Brussels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The calls have come from trade bodies ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe (A4E), who say in a press release that “severe congestion” and delays of up to five hours at peak times are continuing across the region’s hubs, “putting exceptional pressure on border guards, airport and airline staff.” This, the groups say, is “despite considerable efforts from border control authorities to address the situation with the full support of airports.” 

The tone of the press release reveals growing impatience with a system phased in from October 2025 after lengthy delays. The EES requires third-country visitors to the bloc to register passport details, facial imagery, and biometrics on arrival. The data are stored for up to three years or until the ID expires, with the intention of allowing the EU to track the movement of people into and out of its territory and boosting security. 

Although the system has had to be temporarily suspended at certain destinations since its implementation, it has enabled the bloc to record almost 230 million entries and exits and refuse 80,000 arrivals (2,000 due to security concerns), according to EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, speaking to Politico.

Still, the “unnecessary hardship” to which passengers are exposed persists due to “structural shortcomings that ACI EUROPE and A4E have warned about for months, but which remain largely unaddressed,” the groups say, pointing to “inadequate border control staffing, instability affecting the IT systems underpinning EES, the still-limited deployment and use of Self-Service Kiosks and Automated Border Control gates, and the limited functionalities and deployment of the Travel to Europe pre-registration app.”

Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Director General, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, A4E Managing Director, issued a joint statement, saying: “The EES has strengthened the security of Europe’s external borders – that is a clear achievement. But six months into its full rollout, the system is not delivering on efficient border crossings, and the promise of faster, more seamless travel remains unmet.”

They go on to insist: “This is no longer a teething problem, nor can passengers, airports and airlines keep paying the price for avoidable disruption. The time for simply managing the symptoms is over. We need decisive action to fix the structural problems in the EES, streamline its processes and secure efficient border crossings.”

That action, the pair say, should come in the form of a six-point plan they have put together. The “six concrete proposals” are as follows:

• Eliminating “double verification”
• Optimising biometric verification
• Preventing duplicate EES profiles
• Rethinking and upgrading the “Travel to Europe” app and web portal
• Accelerating and harmonising Automated Border Control for third-country nationals
• Restoring the possibility to partially suspend the EES (no registration of biometrics) in case of excessive waiting times as a permanent flexibility mechanism

However, Commissioner Brunner insisted to Politico that the onus for smoothly implementing the system falls on EU Member States, who, he said, agreed to the EES and “had enough time to prepare.” Unless that attitude changes, the row, the patchy implementation, and the disruption for passengers all look set to continue.

L’article European airports and airlines call for urgent action plan to address EES problems est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Reporting by the BBC, picked up by other outlets, describes the cases of two British holidaymakers who were supposed to go on TUI sailings on the Danube in September, but instead were accommodated in hotels and taken by bus on excursions.

Richard Pearson flew to Budapest, where he was supposed to begin an itinerary on the TUI River Cruise boat Isla. The Isla was, however, stuck in Vienna due to low water levels, leading to the changes to his vacation, including “14-15 hours” spent on a coach “plus time wasted waiting for coaches.” Pearson told the BBC he recognises that TUI had no control over the river levels but nonetheless believes he should be entitled to a refund of at least some of the £3,300 (over €3,800) he spent on the trip.

Another pair of TUI customers, Sue Crosby and her husband, tried to refuse the alternate itinerary presented to them for the same reasons on their 14 September sailing. They requested a refund, but were denied one, and so “reluctantly went on the trip,” the BBC said.

Potential changes to passenger itineraries in the event of low water levels are set out on TUI’s website terms and conditions, clearly stating that “if we can complete it via coaches then refunds won’t be available. These changes can happen before or during your cruise.”

In a statement, the German-headquartered operator described how it reviews every sailing and revises itineraries as needed, putting in place “adjusted travel arrangements to minimise transfer times so customers could still visit destinations, including Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava.”

It also noted: “Customers continued their holiday on the amended itinerary under our standard booking conditions. While customers were still able to visit the key destinations on their itinerary, we’re sorry some did not get the river cruise experience they had anticipated.”

The incidents are real life examples illustrating previous Travel Tomorrow reporting on how changing global climate conditions are reshaping the travel sector, especially amid World Meteorological Organization forecasts of likely disruptions due to El Niño in the coming months.

In particular, it is essential for operators and stakeholders to anticipate potential weather-related issues and ensure clients are well informed of their rights, to avoid disappointment and reputational harm. Before booking, travel consumers too should apprise themselves of the terms and conditions relating to their prospective trips and ensure they are prepared to be flexible when things do not go to plan.

L’article Disrupted Danube cruises spark controversy over TUI’s compensation policy est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The top spot went to Štajerska in Slovenia, followed by Italy’s Langhe–Roero–Monferrato and Spain’s Ribeira Sacra. The selection spans seven countries, offering ideas for trips that combine wine tasting with local food, history and time in the countryside.

The top 12 wine regions in Europe for 2027

1. Štajerska, Slovenia
2. Langhe–Roero–Monferrato, Italy
3. Ribeira Sacra, Spain
4. Kamptal, Austria
5. Chianti Rufina, Italy
6. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, France
7. Etna, Italy
8. Saumur and Anjou, France
9. Wachau, Austria
10. Valle d’Aosta, Italy
11. Alentejo, Portugal
12. Naoussa, Greece

Why Štajerska took first place

Štajerska’s wine heritage connects historic towns with vineyards and cellars that preserve centuries of local knowledge. In Maribor, a vine more than 450 years old is recognised as the world’s oldest. Wine cellars extend beneath the city centre, while vineyards cover the surrounding hills. Nearby Ptuj has another link to the past: its historic wine cellar preserves Zlata trta, a 1917 vintage described as Slovenia’s oldest preserved wine. Gornja Radgona adds a different chapter to the region’s history, as the place where Slovenia’s first sparkling wine was produced in 1852. These sites give visitors several ways to explore how winemaking developed in the region.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

Un post condiviso da stajerska.si (@stajerska.si)

Beyond the towns, roads connect family wineries, hillside villages and vineyard terraces. One of the most recognisable sights is the heart-shaped bend at Špičnik, where the road curves between rows of vines. In Jeruzalem Slovenija, sunny slopes and cool nights provide conditions for white grape varieties such as Šipon. Haloze offers a steeper landscape, with vineyards planted across demanding hillsides. Visitors may also notice wooden structures called klopotci, which use wind to create noise and scare birds away from the grapes. Tastings range from historic urban cellars to estates surrounded by vineyards, allowing travellers to experience different parts of the region’s wine culture.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

Un post condiviso da ASMALLWORLD (@asmallworld)

Italy and Spain take second and third

Second-placed Langhe–Roero–Monferrato lies in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, where vineyards share the landscape with hazelnut groves, castles and villages. Its wine heritage includes Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo red grape variety. Other varieties grown here include Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato, giving visitors a broader range of wines to discover. Food is an equally strong part of the attraction, with local cheeses, hazelnuts and Alba’s white truffles accompanying the region’s wines. European Best Destinations highlights autumn as a particularly appealing time to visit, when truffles and changing vineyard colours add to the experience.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

Un post condiviso da IG⊕Langhe-Roero & Monferrato (@ig_langheroeromonferrato)

Ribeira Sacra, in Galicia in northwestern Spain, took third place with a landscape shaped by the Sil and Miño river canyons. Vines grow on narrow terraces cut into steep hillsides, making the setting a central part of a visit. Mencía, the region’s main red grape variety, produces aromatic wines influenced by the altitude and slate soils. Small wineries and ancient monasteries provide stops between tastings and walks. Travellers can also explore the river landscape by boat or follow hiking routes through the area, combining wine visits with time outdoors.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

Un post condiviso da Alvaro Iglesias (@alvaroiglesiass)

Austria and Tuscany complete the top five

Austria’s Kamptal finished fourth, with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner among its leading white grape varieties. Around the town of Langenlois, historic family estates sit alongside contemporary wineries. Vineyard trails offer opportunities to explore the countryside between cellar visits. Traditional wine taverns, known as Heurige, bring together local wines and food. The region’s combination of established winemaking traditions and modern architecture gives visitors more to explore than tasting rooms alone.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

Un post condiviso da Simon Moore (@simonmoorestudio)

Fifth place went to Chianti Rufina, a small wine area northeast of Florence in Tuscany. Its vineyards extend into the Apennine foothills, where cooler conditions and higher elevations influence wines made from Sangiovese grapes. Visitors can combine tastings with walks through vineyards, olive groves and nearby villages. Accommodation includes agriturismi, or farm stays, which offer a base in the countryside. Florence’s proximity also makes it possible to include both the city and the surrounding wine area in one trip.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

Un post condiviso da Consorzio Chianti Rufina (@consorziochiantirufina)

From Slovenia’s historic cellars to Galicia’s steep vineyard terraces, the ranking highlights how varied a European wine trip can be. The appeal extends beyond the glass to the landscapes, food and communities that give each region its character.

L’article Which European wine regions should be on the radar in 2027? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Recommendations adopted on Monday evening, 5 October, received 34 votes in favour, none against and seven abstentions. They follow the European Commission’s High-Speed Rail Action Plan, presented in November 2025, which aims to deliver a faster, better-connected European network by 2040.

MEPs describe high-speed rail as a strategic asset for the EU’s competitiveness, territorial cohesion and climate objectives. Their recommendations focus on creating a network that works across borders, connects with other forms of transport and delivers value for passengers and public investment.

The newly launched high-speed rail plan is not just about cutting travel times, it’s about uniting Europeans. The plan seeks to harmonise a truly interoperable European high-speed rail network. Find out more: https://t.co/wDhOxLCGPn #EUTransport #ConnectingEurope #TEN_T https://t.co/OV4imgkMDc

— EU Transport (@Transport_EU) November 26, 2025

Connecting regions, not just capitals

The committee advocates a “network-first” approach, integrating high-speed infrastructure with regional rail, urban public transport, walking and cycling routes, and major transport hubs.

Rather than concentrating solely on links between EU capitals, MEPs want the network to serve major cities across Europe’s regions and key neighbouring countries. Access could come through direct high-speed services or effective connections to the wider network.

The aim is to improve connectivity in peripheral and less-developed regions while reducing territorial disparities. The report also calls for completion of the trans-European transport network, known as TEN-T, and identification of missing links, abandoned or underserved sections, and valuable cross-border connections.

As previously reported by Travel Tomorrow, the Commission’s plan could transform five major European rail routes, including connections between Berlin and Copenhagen and Lisbon and Madrid.

Dedicated funding for expansion

MEPs want existing and future EU funds used more effectively to support high-speed rail development. They call for adequate, dedicated funding in the EU’s next long-term budget, covering 2028–2034.

Their recommendations include preserving and strengthening the Connecting Europe Facility, alongside support for investments promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion through National and Regional Partnership Plans.

More than €100 billion from EU programmes has been allocated to rail infrastructure projects since 2014, according to the Parliament’s press release. However, Europe’s major railway tunnel projects illustrate the scale of the infrastructure work and delivery challenges involved.

More affordable fares and clearer ticketing

The committee also urges governments and railway operators to make high-speed travel more affordable through accessible fares, reduced-fare schemes and subscriptions. Lower and more predictable prices could attract additional passengers and encourage a shift towards rail.

MEPs want greater transparency in ticket pricing and welcome ongoing legislative work on the Commission’s Passenger Package to support more compatible European ticketing systems.

The recommendations build on efforts to simplify international journeys, including proposals for unified European rail booking.

The committee vote does not constitute final parliamentary approval. The non-binding resolution will now go before the full European Parliament during its second October plenary session.

L’article MEPs call for faster EU high-speed rail expansion and more affordable tickets est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The first major revision of EU air passenger rights legislation in over two decades, the regulation guarantees the right to carry a personal item on board at no extra cost. It was signed on 16 September 2026 and published on 2 October. It enters into force on 22 October 2026 and will apply from 23 October 2027.

Under the change, which was brought in to create more certainty for flyers amid a plethora of different rules across airlines, carriers will be obliged to permit passengers to carry a piece of hand baggage into the cabin. However, this remains subject to the capacity of the aircraft cabin, meaning some bags may have to be checked in at no additional cost.

Stronger EU air passenger rights regarding: Transparent fares & luggage rules Claims procedures Protection in case of delays & cancellations Rights for passengers with reduced mobility No more “no-show” penalties on return flights https://t.co/wNOBgqi7eO https://t.co/mpYsMCzGBP

— EU Publications (@EUPublications) October 2, 2026

The free personal item must meet safety and security requirements and either measure no more than 40 × 30 × 15 cm or fit under the seat in front. It can be brought into the cabin alongside another carry-on bag, subject to the applicable fare and the airline’s baggage policy. The final regulation does not establish a common 7 kg weight limit or maximum combined dimensions of 100 cm for that separate bag. 

The legislation preserves airlines’ freedom to offer different price structures while introducing clearer requirements for displaying fares that include hand baggage.

To improve transparency, the regulation requires airlines and intermediaries to display fares including a hand baggage allowance by default before the booking process begins, making comparisons easier.

And it’s law! On behalf of the Council, I joined @EP_President in signing two pieces of legislation into law, which will: Strengthen air passenger rights Reform the EU Customs Code to introduce new rules for e-commerce and establish a new EU Customs Authority https://t.co/fUEOg7Km4y

— Thomas Byrne (@ThomasByrneTD) September 16, 2026

For flights involving European countries outside the Union, the picture may remain fragmented. Coverage depends on the departure airport and operating carrier, rather than the passenger’s nationality. Travellers departing from the United Kingdom, for example, which since Brexit is considered a third country, could still be required to pay for hand luggage. UK carriers, including easyJet UK and British Airways, will need to honour the new rules on flights departing from EU airports to the UK. Flights from the UK to the EU operated by an EU carrier can also be covered, subject to the regulation’s conditions.

L’article Free carry-on luggage under new EU aviation rules: how will it work? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The DiscoverEU programme gives 18-year-olds the chance to travel for free on environmentally friendly modes of transport, such as trains, for up to seven days within a period of no more than one month, between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028. Part of the Erasmus+ scheme, the programme aims to allow young people to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent.

It is also an opportunity to develop independence or to travel with friends, since the programme is open to groups travelling together. Travellers can go solo or add up to four friends to their group, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Each friend must submit their own application using the same application code. Alternatively, travellers can also combine travel plans with other DiscoverEU travellers. Alternatively, travellers can combine travel plans with other DiscoverEU participants. The DiscoverEU Facebook Group may be a good platform for this.

#DiscoverEU applications are OPEN! Are you 18 & from or residing in an EU country or an associated country? This is your chance to apply for a FREE railway pass & explore Europe You could also get a free night in a youth hostel! Apply now: https://t.co/uQ77wPZSXR https://t.co/SiGs94rIAF

— European Youth (@EuropeanYouthEU) October 1, 2026

To help young people further with the expense of travel, a DiscoverEU discount card also offers numerous discounts on accommodation, culture, sports, local transport, and other services.

To be eligible, applicants need to:

• Have been born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2008 (both dates inclusive).
• Enter their identity card (ID), passport or residence permit number in the online application form.
• Be a citizen or resident of an EU member state, including its outermost regions; an Overseas Country or Territory (OCT) associated with the EU; or one of the countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia or Türkiye.
• Agree to the declaration in the application form.

In good news for young British citizens, the United Kingdom will join the Erasmus+ programme, including DiscoverEU, from 2027.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от European Commission (@europeancommission)

Once the forms are filled in, there is a quiz to complete (only by the group leader in the case of group applications). If selected, the Erasmus+ National Agencies will help travellers connect and learn, with the organisation of pre-departure meetings and travellers’ meet-ups. Factsheets are available online to help prospective participants to get more of a sense of how the experience works and learn about the adventures of previous young DiscoverEU travellers.

In addition, travellers automatically become DiscoverEU ambassadors by participating in the programme. As ambassadors, participants are invited to share their travel experiences on social media using #DiscoverEU, or in person, through presentations at schools or in their local community.

L’article EU free travel passes once again available for young people est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The call followed a briefing at the Press Club Brussels Europe, which brought together policymakers, health experts, researchers and tourism stakeholders to discuss the future of health, tourism and longevity in Europe.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the Brussels Declaration on European Medical Spas, Prevention and the Life Sciences Agenda, calling for natural therapeutic resources and climate-based treatments to be recognised, protected and better integrated into European health policy.

“Europe has natural health resources, medical expertise and spa infrastructure that could make a greater contribution to healthier and longer lives,” said Dr Siyka Katsarova, President of ESPA. “We need to connect these strengths through coordinated research and cooperation with healthcare professionals and policymakers. Prevention should be recognised as a priority across both health and tourism policy.”

Associate Professor Dr Milena Angelova, the European Economic and Social Committee’s rapporteur on the EU Life Sciences Strategy, addressed the role of prevention and active ageing in the life sciences agenda. She also considered how natural therapies could complement health systems, while highlighting the need for stronger scientific evidence.

Daniel Attard MEP discussed the issue from a sustainable tourism perspective, examining links between healthy ageing, wellbeing tourism and destination development. His report on destination management and regional tourism growth was adopted by the European Parliament in April 2026.

Elisabeth Kotthaus, Head of the Tourism Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, focused on tourism’s role in Europe’s wellbeing economy, including opportunities for year-round tourism based around climate destinations and natural health assets.

The Brussels Declaration identifies thermal and mineral waters, therapeutic muds, natural gas treatments, marine and mountain climates and spa traditions as strategic health assets. Among its seven priorities are integrating medical spas into EU health strategies, supporting research into balneology and climatotherapy, protecting natural therapeutic resources and strengthening professional standards.

It also calls for spa facilities to participate in European research infrastructures and cross-border clinical networks, while promoting digital tools for personalised prevention and long-term follow-up. Balneology, climatotherapy and natural health research should also be formally incorporated into the EU Life Sciences Strategy, according to the declaration.

The initiative comes as health and wellness tourism gains greater attention across Europe. Earlier this year, the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit in Varna similarly called for stronger coordination between healthcare, prevention and tourism, while Italy was recently named the World’s Best Spa Destination for 2026.

The discussion is set to continue in June 2027, when the Belgian city of Spa will host a joint event organised by ESPA and the European Historic Thermal Towns Association. The location carries particular significance: Spa’s mineral waters have shaped the town’s identity and tourism development for centuries.

L’article European Spa Association calls for medical spas to play bigger role in EU health policy est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The opening ceremony was attended by the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and dignitaries including Virginijus Sinkevičius, MEP and Vice-Chair of the TRAN Committee. This year’s focus is on better access to mobility for all, safer and well-connected routes for walking and cycling, plus clean, reliable, and accessible public transport, and attractive and accessible public spaces.

Since its first year, in 2001, thousands of towns and cities in dozens of countries from Albania to Colombia and South Korea have participated in the week. The initiative has promoted pedestrianisation with enlarged streets and improved infrastructure; better accessibility through actions such as the creation of wheelchair ramps and lowering of pavements; an Improved and expanded European cycling network; traffic calming measures, particularly around schools; and the provision of electric vehicle charging points to encourage new forms of vehicle ownership.

This year action is taking place across more than 2,500 towns and cities in Europe and beyond. In Aveiro, Portugal, residents are looking at mobility at both ends of the age spectrum, with a “Kidical” mass bicycle ride organised by and for children and families, as well as launching a “senior mobility charter.”

In Kassel, Germany, more multigenerational action is at work, with a walk bringing local senior care home residents’ views to the fore and a family transport-themed treasure hunt. In Differdange, Luxembourg, Car-Free Day will see BMX demonstrations takeover the centre, while bike ramps and expanded 30 km/h zones will leave a permanent legacy.

Picking up on those themes in a statement, Tzitzikostas said: “The European Mobility Week is a reminder that transport must work for everyone. This year, our campaign’s focus is on intergenerational fairness. We need accessible, affordable and reliable mobility solutions that connect people of all ages to services, jobs, education, and each other. A fairer, cleaner and more user-friendly transport system means more opportunities, greater independence and stronger communities across Europe.”

Businesses, NGOs, schools, and other actors, including cities, who want to get involved in the ongoing challenge of the “EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK” branded campaign are encouraged to register their “MOBILITYACTION” online.

L’article European Mobility Week marks 25 years with focus on sustainable transport est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

For the 2026 European Hotel Distribution Study, Professor Roland Schegg of HES-SO Valais-Wallis and HOTREC surveyed 2,713 hotels throughout Europe. 1,882 of those concerned individual hotels from 28 countries, while 831 were hotel-chain properties.

The results are remarkable. On the one hand, direct bookings prove to remain resilient. Approximately half of hotel bookings (51.3%) are made directly with the hotel. This includes bookings through websites, email, telephone, and walk-ins.

On the other hand, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) seem to be deeply embedded in hotel distribution. I 2026, they accounted for 29.9% of hotel room bookings, up grom 19.7% in 2013. An increase of more than 10 percentage points over 12 years, while the share of direct bookings declined by 6 percentage points.

The OTA market is also increasingly dominated by a small number of stakeholders. Booking Holdings accounted for 60% of European OTA bookings in 2013, while it stands at almost 70% in 2026. Together with Expedia Group, the two largest global groups now account for more than 85% of all OTA bookings in Europe. For Europe’s independent hotels and SMEs, this means an increased dependency and a risk to innovation in the sector.

“Hotels need digital platforms, but they also need genuine choice. Growing concentration must not translate into growing dependency. Europe’s hotels, most of them SMEs, need a competitive and transparent marketplace where they can choose how to reach their guests and remain in control of their own business,” stated Alexandros Vassilikos, President of HOTREC.

Moreover, bookings through OTAs do are not only a concern when it comes to market share and commission costs. According to the European Hotel Distribution Study, 51% of hotels report that OTAs undercut their prices frequently or occasionally, while 80% of those did not agreed to the lower price being offered. Meanwhile, more than 44% of hotels report OTA multi-sourcing, meaning rates or availability can be redistributed through other platforms or intermediaries, leading to price inconsistencies, guest confusion, billing difficulties, incorrect information, and reduced control over inventory.

“Europe’s digital rules are not only about search engines, social media or app stores. For thousands of hotels, a gatekeeper platform stands directly between the business and its guest. With 85% of OTA bookings going through just two global groups, robust enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is essential to protect competition, expand consumer choice, support innovation and safeguard Europe’s SMEs,” commented Marie Audren, Director General of HOTREC.

HOTREC finds the survey underlines the importance of Europe’s digital rules for the hospitality sector. The association sees Booking Holdings as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), while the Platform-to-Business Regulation (P2B) is at risk under the proposed Digital Omnibus. The DMA thus needs to be effectively implemented and enforced, and the P2B Regulation’s essential transparency and fairness safeguards need to be preserved.

In the study, HOTREC underlines that such protections are vital to ensure that hospitality SMEs retain meaningful control over pricing, payments, distribution, data, and guest relationships, while giving the next generation of hospitality entrepreneurs room to grow.

L’article Booking and Expedia account for 85% of Europe’s OTA market, HOTREC study finds est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.