Booking Holdings’ Hotel Commissions ‘Too High’ – Swiss Watchdog Orders 25% Cut

Key Points

• Switzerland's price watchdog has ordered Booking.com to cut its hotel commission rates in the country by 25%, effective three months after the ruling becomes legally binding and lasting for three years.
• The measure is intended to boost the competitiveness of Swiss hotels and reduce financial burdens on customers.
• Booking.com plans to appeal the decision, and its commission rates will remain unchanged until the appeal process concludes.

Summary

Switzerland's price watchdog has ordered Booking.com to reduce its commission rates for Swiss hotels by 25%, with the change to be implemented three months after the ruling becomes legally binding and to last for three years. The regulator stated that the move aims to help Swiss hotels compete globally and ease financial pressure on customers. Booking.com disagrees with the decision and intends to appeal, meaning no immediate changes to commission rates will occur until the appeal process is resolved.