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The lawsuit claims the company manipulated customers’ behavior through deceptive practices, including the use of fake discounts, hidden pricing, and false claims about room availability — a practice known as dark patterns.
These methods were both against Dutch and European legislation when it came to consumer protection, according to the director of Consumentenbond Sandra Molenaar. “That’s illegal under Dutch and European rules,” she said.
Alleged Deceit That Garnered Billions
Booking.Com faces watchdog complaints over TV hotels focus The consumer group claims that Booking. Com profited nearly €1 billion from these means. According to the chairman of supporting foundation CCC Bert Heikens this company has been violating consumer and competition laws since 2013.
“Our investigation reveals that Booking has been obliging hotels to offer the same room on the platform as elsewhere for a higher price.”
Sending customers to higher-priced competitors Via this implementation of rate parity, Booking has been turning into a leader in the art of sending customers to its higher-priced alternatives, the new study shows.
Impact on Wider Booking Market
The lawsuit encourages both Booking users and people who booked through hotel websites or Booking competitors like Trivago to make claims. The groups claim that Booking’s market power has driven up prices throughout the accommodation market.
Booking. Com did not immediately respond to the allegations. But the Consumentenbond said the company would have an opportunity to resolve the claims outside the courtroom. If there is no consent, the law will take its course.
Spain’s competition authority fined Booking €413 million last year for the same kind of abuses of dominant market position over five years.
