Europe: More than 10,000 hotels across Europe have joined the collective legal action against OTA Booking.com, expanding on a case first reported in June.

The claim challenges the platform’s long-standing “best price” clause, also known as a Platform Most Favoured Nation (PMFN) clause, which required accommodation providers to display the same or lower rates on Booking.com than on their own websites or rival platforms.

The clause was removed in 2024 to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, but damages are being sought for the period between 2004 and 2024. Proceedings are taking place in the Netherlands, where Booking.com is headquartered, and are being coordinated by the Stichting Hotel Claims Alliance with support from HOTREC.

The case was initially filed by more than 25 national hotel associations and is supported by a September 2024 European Court of Justice ruling, which found that parity clauses may reduce competition. Booking.com has previously stated that the clauses help ensure fair competition and prevent “free-riding” by travellers.

Highlights:
• Over 10,000 hotels have joined a collective legal action against Booking.com.
• The case focuses on the OTA’s “best price” / PMFN clause, in place from 2004 to 2024.
• The clause was removed last year following the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
• The outcome could set a precedent for other accommodation sectors, including short-term rentals.

Journey, a New York-based loyalty platform for independent hotels, resorts, and private rentals, has raised $7.7 million in seed funding to support the expansion of its guest rewards program and AI-enabled technology platform for hoteliers. The round was co-led by venture capital firms Lerer Hippeau and Slow Ventures, with additional participation from notable investors including Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy; Chris Burch, co-founder of Tory Burch; entrepreneur Kim Perell; and early-stage firm Bulletpitch.

The company describes itself as the first loyalty platform purpose-built for independent hospitality operators, combining a consumer-facing rewards model with a backend technology suite. The funds will be used to scale both the guest-facing loyalty program and the operator tools, which together form what the company calls its Hospitality Experience Platform (HXP). Journey’s network currently includes more than 1,400 properties worldwide, ranging from luxury hotels such as Nihi Sumba in Indonesia to boutique accommodations like Dunton in Colorado and Castle Hill Inn in Rhode Island.

Unlike legacy hotel loyalty programs operated by major chains, which tend to emphasize consistency and brand-level status, Journey’s program is positioned around personalization and discovery. Members earn five times more points for direct bookings with participating properties than for third-party bookings, with an option to redeem pending points during their stay—a feature the company says addresses one of the most common pain points for travelers accustomed to delayed or limited redemption options.

For operators, Journey’s AI-enabled platform is designed to streamline guest engagement, boost direct bookings, and convert fragmented data into real-time hospitality actions. By combining loyalty features with automation tools, Journey aims to give independent hotels access to functionality that has typically only been available to large branded chains with proprietary tech stacks.

Founder and CEO John Sutton said the company’s vision is to reimagine loyalty in a way that supports both guest preferences and operator performance. “We have created a platform where guests are rewarded for choosing character-rich, independent stays, and hotel and short-term rental operators can finally access technology to deliver exceptional experiences,” said Sutton.

Lerer Hippeau Managing Partner Eric Hippeau, who previously served on the boards of Starwood and Marriott, said Journey’s model reflects significant shifts in both consumer travel preferences and operator needs. “Guests and hoteliers alike will benefit immensely,” he said.

Slow Ventures Managing Director Kevin Colleran also emphasized the value to previously underserved travelers who may have opted for chain hotels in the past to retain loyalty benefits. “This will help so many hotels that were previously overlooked by travelers like me who were always forced to stay at the big chains,” he said.

While Journey is entering a competitive segment of the hotel technology space, it differentiates itself through its dual focus on loyalty and automation. Existing platforms that offer loyalty solutions for independents, such as The Guestbook or Stash Hotel Rewards, typically focus on points or cash-back models but offer less integrated technology. Others, like Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ I Prefer program, support high-end independents but operate within a more traditional framework. Journey is positioning itself as a modern alternative built on AI infrastructure and a shared currency system.

In addition to hotels, Journey’s inclusion of short-term rentals in its network broadens its reach into a category that, until now, has lacked meaningful loyalty integration. The company has not announced partnerships with PMS or CRM vendors, though Sutton has indicated future integrations are on the roadmap.

Journey is currently offering an early access program for hotels and private rental operators. The company’s stated goal is to build a loyalty ecosystem that rewards both guest behavior and brand diversity, offering a more flexible and technology-forward alternative to the points programs of legacy hotel chains.

Related

Ahmedabad, August 8, 2025: Ramee Group of Hotels made a powerful impression at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) 2025, held at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad from 31st July to 2nd August. With an eye-catching presence at Booth A-807, the brand showcased its evolving hospitality portfolio and F&B-led experiences under the theme “Where Comfort Meets Culture,” a reflection of Ramee’s commitment to delivering location-inspired, experience-first stays.

Driven by the goal of strengthening its brand presence in key domestic and international markets, Ramee participated in TTF 2025 to network with B2B travel agents, tour operators, and industry stakeholders. The booth captured the essence of the brand’s diverse offerings from heritage and spiritual getaways to nightlife destinations and curated weddings.

Among the key announcements was the launch of Ramee Wolkenburg, Munnar, a serene retreat in Kerala’s highlands, and Bombay Adda, Andheri (Mumbai), the newest addition to Ramee’s celebrated nightlife portfolio. The group also introduced special Wedding and MICE packages for its hotels in Udaipur, Bhuj, and Bangalore, alongside exclusive B2B booking offers valid during the fair. Upcoming properties in Solapur and Rajkot were also announced, reinforcing the group’s expansion plans across India.

The response from visitors and industry peers was overwhelmingly positive. Guests appreciated the immersive booth experience and the diversity of offerings, while peers acknowledged Ramee’s innovation in blending cultural richness with modern hospitality. The team received strong business interest from DMCs, international travel agents, and wedding planners, validating Ramee’s growing reputation in the B2B space.

Led by Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President, Ramee Group of Hotels, the booth was supported by key members from marketing, sales, and F&B teams. What continues to set Ramee apart is its full-stack hospitality model, not just premium accommodations, but also destination weddings, award-winning dining, and experiential nightlife. The brand’s ability to deliver modern comfort rooted in local culture positions it uniquely in a highly competitive market.

“TTF 2025 was a fantastic platform to showcase how Ramee Group of Hotels has evolved as a hospitality brand,” said Mr. Saurabh Gahoi. “From launching high-concept dining venues to expanding into culturally significant cities, our focus is on delivering value and experiences to today’s discerning traveler. We look forward to strengthening our B2B partnerships and continuing this momentum with more bold and meaningful hospitality ventures.”

The team walked away with valuable insights, including rising demand for experiential travel, growing interest in heritage and spiritual tourism, and the need for curated packages and direct booking offers. These learnings will shape Ramee’s upcoming brand and product strategies, as it continues to redefine hospitality for the modern Indian and international traveller.