Booking faces a large fine in Spain: what happened
The popular booking service Booking.com is under the threat of significant fines. In Spain, Booking.com faces a fine of 486 million euros.
The reason is allegedly anti-competitive actions, which will be the largest sanction in the history of the travel giant. The Spanish National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) proposed to impose a fine, the online travel company announced, according to SUR in English.
The article states that the accommodation booking portal was accused of anti-competitive behavior. For example, in preventing hotel groups from offering deals that are cheaper on their websites than the price they offer on booking.com.
However, the online travel site denies any wrongdoing, arguing that raising prices on the website would harm the consumer. Booking.com said it will appeal this "unprecedented decision in Spain" if it becomes final.
The CNMC launched an investigation in October 2022 after two complaints were filed by the Spanish Hotel Managers Association and the Madrid Hotel Association. Booking.com was accused of "unfair" anti-competitive practices.
At the same time, Booking.com sources told SUR that, despite any proposed fine, the company's obligations to Spain "remain intact."
Earlier, TravelWise told about the 10 most romantic places in the UK for a quick vacation.
