Industry Update | March 5, 2024

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Digital Markets Act to Regulate Giant Online Travel Providers

The Spanish competition authority (CNMC) has accused Booking, an American online travel giant, of unfair competition for abusing its leading position in the market and imposing the best rates on its platform, following complaints from Spanish hoteliers' associations and travel providers. The company could face a fine of €486 million.

This announcement comes just before the Digital Markets Act (DMA) takes effect on March 6. The DMA aims to fight against the anti-competitive practices of internet giants and address the imbalances created by their dominance in the European digital market. As of March 6, these companies will no longer be able to exercise self-preference by favoring their own services.

The European Commission is targeting 17 of the largest online platforms in the world. These platforms include Alibaba AliExpress, Amazon Store, Apple AppStore, Facebook, Google Play, Google Maps, Google Shopping, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Wikipedia, YouTube, Zalando, Bing, and Google Search. However, Booking and other online travel providers have not been classified as 'gatekeepers'. The European Commission defines gatekeepers as digital services with "a significant impact on the European internal market and a strong and sustainable position in their operations."

→ READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Changes to ETA and Visitor Visa Requirements for Mexican Citizens

The federal government is reimposing some visa requirements on Mexican nationals visiting Canada.

The updated regulations took effect on February 29 and were reintroduced largely due to asylum claims from Mexico reaching a record high last year.

→ FIND OUT WHAT'S CHANGING

RESOURCES

Looking for Sales Inspiration? | Read our Latest Blog for Implementable Strategies

By Brent O'Connor

In the ever-changing hospitality industry of British Columbia, hotels face the challenge of standing out in a market renowned for its natural landscapes and vibrant city life. Succeeding in this environment goes beyond offering accommodation; it involves creating memorable moments that transform guests into lifelong enthusiasts. This article highlights cost effective strategies embraced by BC hotels featuring real life success stories from the sales front....

→ CONTINUE READING

BCHA x go2HR in Prince George: Strong Workforces & Safe Workplaces

Presented by go2HR, this open house and workshop is free to attend!

Focusing on both the unique aspects of Northern BC workplaces, and recent changes to regulation and rate increase within the accommodations sector, this workshop provides essential need-to-know information to keep your business in compliance with the new changes as well as sessions on Human Resources, Health & Safety, and Mental Health. Join us for two days of informative sessions and meet BCHA's Member Services Manager, Samantha Glennie.

→ SIGN UP HERE

TRENDING

IN THE NEWS

-> Cushman & Wakefield releases optimistic Canadian Lodging overview

-> BC introduces legislation to reduce poverty rate by 60 per cent

TALK OF THE TOWN

-> Fernie Alpine Resort sees 51 inches of fresh snow over the past week

-> Vancouver Cocktail Week and Victoria Beer Week keep the good times rolling in March

AT A GLANCE

BCHA Summit May 1-2, 2024

The BCHA Summit returns to unite BC's accommodation and business community for two days of industry connection and excellence May 1-2 at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

→ LEARN MORE & REGISTER

National Tourism Week 2024

April 15-19, 2024

Learn More

HAC Conference

May 22-24 | Montreal, Quebec

Learn More

BC's Tourism Industry Convenes in Victoria | 2024 BC TIC

From March 6 - 7, our province's tourism sector descends on Victoria for the Tourism Industry Association of BC's annual conference.

This annual event brings together hundreds of tourism industry delegates and leaders, providing a mix of discovery, education, industry insights, and networking opportunities.

→ IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER

ALLIED MEMBERS

CONNECTING MEMBERS WITH TRUSTED VENDORS

Superior Lodging | The Path to Development

Superior Lodging Corp is an award winning-privately owned hotel development, investment and franchising company. With 7 ‘by Wyndham’ brands in its development portfolio, Superior Lodging Corp is the largest ‘by Wyndham’ brand developer in Canada. They are focused on the development, investment and management of nationally franchised, select and full-service hotels in BC and Canada, all the while delivering consistent high-yielding returns for investors in the hospitality sector. With more than 550 properties developed and 30 years of experience, are you ready to develop or franchise your property?

→ LEARN MORE ABOUT WHICH BRAND WORKS FOR YOU!

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOMING DSC SOFTWARE TO THE BCHA!

DSC Software | Secure Reliable Hotel Management Software

DSC, founded in 1979, developed one of Canada's earliest Hotel Management Systems, initially on Data General Mainframes. Over five versions, it transitioned to the current DSC System on Microsoft's Azure Cloud. Known for reliability, simplicity, and competitive pricing, DSC focuses on ease of learning to address hotel hiring challenges. With streamlined menus and fast system functions, training typically takes minutes, aided by former hotel managers as installation staff who can set up systems in hours.

They are offering free installation and training for all BCHA members, reach out to Ken today to get started!

→ Get Started Today!

HERE'S TO YOU!

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Salt Spring is Canada's first roaster with Regenerative Organic Certification

Salt Spring Coffee is proud to offer Canada’s first regenerative organic certified coffee as part of their ongoing commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Regenerative Organic Certification, ROC, sets the highest standard in the world for soil health, ecosystem preservation, and fairness for farmers and workers.

Brew a fresh cup and read all about it.

→ FULL ARTICLE

LAST LAUGH

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