How the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) Will Impact Travel

Summary

Gone are the days of the tech monolith? The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to curb Big Tech’s power by imposing strict rules on the biggest gatekeeper companies. While the legislation seeks to promote competition and protect consumers, its impacts on the travel industry are complex and unpredictable. Early enforcement has already led to significant changes in how companies like Google and Booking.com operate in Europe, affecting everything from search results to pricing strategies. As the DMA unfolds, travel businesses must navigate a shifting landscape of compliance, innovation challenges, and evolving competitive dynamics.

Key questions answered by this research include:

• What is the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and how does it regulate large digital platforms?How will the DMA’s requirements and prohibitions impact major travel industry players, including OTAs and hotels?
• What are the potential unintended consequences of the DMA on competition, innovation, and market dynamics in travel?
• How could changes in search engine results and rate parity affect the travel industry’s distribution landscape?