Online travel agency Booking.com has been fined 2.5 billion forints (US$7.74 million) by the national competition watchdog in Hungary, the GVH, for “misleading advertisements” and “aggressive” sales tactics, designed to exert “psychological pressure” on consumers.
A probe was launched on the Amsterdam-based company’s platform as far back as 2018 when its income in fees drew suspicions in Hungary.
The GVH said in a statement, “Booking.com B.V. has led unfair business practices by misleading advertisements claiming free cancellation for some accommodation as well as by exerting aggressive psychological pressure to facilitate faster bookings.”
In response, a Booking.com representative told Reuters that the company was “disappointed by this decision by the Hungarian Competition Authority.”
“Customer data and feedback shows that the information on our platform is extremely helpful for travellers,” they said.
They added, “Everything on our website, including how we display prices and payment policies as well as the availability and popularity of specific properties, among other features relevant to the customer booking experience, is intended to help customers.”
Full Content: Shot Term Rentalz
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