Online marketplaces, social networks, collaborative economy websites and search engines have in many regards changed the way customers book their accommodation, select their means of travelling, go out and discover local restaurants, bars and attractions. It has expanded choice and possibilities for consumers, invigorated competition, fuelled innovation and put new destinations on the map.
As the European Umbrella organization for hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafés in Europe, HOTREC warmly welcomes the European Commission’s aim to submit a proposal for a Digital Services Act package by the end of 2020.
We believe that this flagship legislative proposal represents a crucial opportunity to:
- Strengthen the bargaining power of European tourism and hospitality SMEs towards major online intermediaries – an essential issue to support the recovery of our sector amidst the COVID-19 crisis
- Provide long-term legal certainty in the digital economy for platforms and business users
- Create an appropriate governance framework for platform-driven services
- Establish a level-playing field with collaborative economy services such as STR and meal-sharing services.
Please find below our position paper on the Digital Services Act, outlining our proposals and views on the EU digital and competition initiatives planned under this legislative package.