Hungary: Announced Hungarian Economic Competition Office investigation into online accommodation booking market

On 24 August 2023, the Hungarian Economic Competition Office (GVH) initiated a sector investigation into the domestic online accommodation booking market. The investigation is focusing on potential market competition distortions, particularly concerning Booking.com's practices. This investigation responds to numerous complaints from accommodation providers about Booking.com's contractual terms and payment practices. The complaints allege possible harm to free market competition. The investigation will analyse competitive conditions and contractual practices in the Hungarian online accommodation booking market, with a special focus on the impact of these practices on both the market and consumers.