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UKHospitality has welcomed the government’s decision to exclude optional fees, such as adding breakfast to a hotel stay, from an outright ban.
The news follows the Department for Business and Trade announcement yesterday (24 January) that optional fees will not be included in measures to ban ‘drip pricing’.
As part of the digital markets, competition and consumer bill, new legislation will make it illegal to reveal fixed mandatory, additional fees to customers later during the booking process.
The legislation will also add fake reviews to a list of banned business practices and ensure platforms hosting reviews check their veracity – per UKH’s wishes.
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKH, said: “The vast majority of additional fees involved in hospitality bookings are optional and designed to offer customers ways to enhance their experience, such as adding breakfast to a hotel stay.
“We’re pleased the government has taken on board our feedback and excluded optional extras from an outright ban. This means customers will still be able to upgrade and customise their hospitality experience as they see fit.”
She added: “Banning fake reviews is a positive step, given the significant reputation damage and financial impact they can have on businesses. It’s essential that deliberate fake reviews of businesses on third-party platforms are covered by this legislation and we look forward to working with the government as these plans develop.”
