Optional extras excluded from drip pricing ban
Released On 27th Jan 2024
Additional choices presented to customers during a booking, such as adding breakfast to a hotel stay, have been excluded from an outright ban.
Drip pricing
The Department for Business and Trade has announced that optional fees will not be included in measures to ban ‘drip pricing’.
New legislation as part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill will make it illegal to reveal fixed mandatory, additional fees to customers later during the booking process.
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, 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.”
Fake reviews
The legislation will also add fake reviews to a list of banned business practices and ensuring platforms hosting reviews check their veracity. This was another key ask from UKHospitality.
“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,” Kate Nicholls said.
