Booking.com faces a 486 million euro fine in Spain for anti-competitive practices

26-02-24

Booking.com faces a €486 million penalty in Spain for alleged anti-competitive practices, according to the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC). This action arises after the CNMC received complaints from the Spanish Association of Hotel Managers and the Madrid Hotel Business Association. These organizations allege that Booking.com has established unfavorable conditions for Spanish hotels and has implemented commercial policies that marginalize other online travel agencies and sales channels, which could be considered unfair competition.

The investigation focuses on the possible exploitation of hotels' economic dependence on Booking.com, which, according to the CNMC, could distort free competition and harm the public interest. 

Booking.com is suspected of having violated both national and European Union antitrust laws, giving rise to a sanctioning process. This process does not determine the final outcome of the investigation, which could last up to 18 months.

In response, Booking.com has expressed its disappointment and disagreement with the CNMC's preliminary findings, arguing that they will file their objections under the EU Digital Markets Act. According to Booking.com, this law seeks to establish uniform rules for online platforms across Europe, avoiding fragmentation by country. Booking.com plans to appeal this unprecedented decision in Spain if it is upheld.