This week's Update features yet another story about Hopper as well as an important update on the future of keyword restrictions. Enjoy.
Marriott Goes to Trial
("Marriott Loses Bid for More Time Ahead of
TravelPass Trial," October 20, 2021 via Law360 - Competition)
(subscription may be required)
Marriott's efforts to postpone the start of trial in the
TravelPass matter were derailed last week. While the recent court
ruling was entirely procedural in nature (Marriott sought to
postpone the start of trial to allow the court additional time to
review earlier decisions on the applicable anti-trust standards),
the case and its ultimate outcome are something to watch. Among the
many issues to be decided at trial is the question of whether
agreements between hoteliers and their distribution partners
prohibiting the distributors' use of keywords is permitted
under applicable U.S. antitrust law. Of the many initially named
defendants (Choice, Wyndham, Hilton, Caesars, Red Roof, Hyatt and
Six Continents), only Marriott has elected to proceed to trial.
Expect additional updates in the near future as trial is set to
begin on Monday, November 1st, and the court prepares to
issue several key preliminary rulings regarding the applicable
legal standards.
Trip.com Facilitates COVID Testing
Online
("Trip.com Partners Raffles Medical Group for
Travellers' PCR Test," October 20, 2021 via Hospitality
Net - Latest Industry News)
While we've worked with dozens of clients over these past 18
months to incorporate COVID testing into their operations, Trip.com
is the first distributor to facilitate guest testing through its
online platform. Last week, Trip.com announced that it had entered
into an agreement with Raffles Medical Group (RMG) to provide PCR
testing services to guests prior to their departure. Travelers
seeking tests can be tested at any one of RMG's clinics and can
schedule their PCR tests on the Trip.com website at the same time
they make their travel booking.
Hopper to Power Marriott Bonvoy's
Experiences After it Buys PlacePass
October 19, 2021 via Skift Travel News (subscription may be
required)
Hopper, an online travel agency and travel tech company, has
acquired PlacePass, a middleman distributor of tours and
activities.
Will User Reviews Impact Sonder's and
Vacasa's Debuts as Public Companies?
October 15, 2021 via Skift (subscription may be
required)
Will negative chatter in user reviews about Sonder, the hotel and
short-term rental business, have any impact on its expected public
market debut in 2021 through a special purpose acquisition company
merger?
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