The European association of hotels, restaurants and cafés unanimously agreed at its General Assembly to update its list of 'Benchmarks of Fair Practices in Online Distribution' and to pursue the dialogue with online distribution partners for the improvement of the current business environment.

The updated Benchmarks are composed of 19 points covering aspects like distribution practices, affiliate partners, search engines and reviews.

The European hospitality industry is now inviting online distribution partners to assess themselves vis-à-vis the demanded practices.

Online distribution is of utmost importance for the hospitality industry in Europe, but the industry is dependent on a few major players. Unfortunately, the atomistically structured hospitality market in Europe (around 92% of the 1,7 million enterprises employing less than 10 people) are facing practices in online distribution which more and more hoteliers consider to be imbalanced or unfair.

The main message of the European hospitality industry is that rate, distribution and product sovereignty must remain with the hotel. However, in many cases this general market principle is infringed due to the emerging pressure by certain distribution partners.

Furthermore the hospitality industry is confronted with unfair marketing measures like brand bidding or domain grabbing.

Therefore, HOTREC aligned in 19 points Benchmarks of Fair Practices in Online-Distribution to keep the markets transparent, open and competitive for the benefit of guests, intermediates and hotels.

HOTREC will invite online distribution partners to assess themselves vis-à-vis the proposed 19 points. The updated list of Benchmark of Fair Practices in Online Distribution is available on the HOTREC website.

HOTREC represents the hotel, restaurant and café industry at European level. The sector counts 1,7 million businesses, with almost 92% of them being micro enterprises employing less than 10 people. The industry provides some 9,5 million jobs in the EU alone.

HOTREC brings together 43 National Associations representing the sector in 26 different European countries. For further information: www.hotrec.eu