The tourism sector operates through a multi-layered distribution network comprising accommodation providers, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, bed banks and online booking platforms. With the growth of digital platforms, the way hotels reach customers has changed significantly, and the role of platforms within the distribution chain has become increasingly important from a competition perspective.
Agreements between hotels and travel agencies or online platforms may require competition law assessment in relation to pricing, commissions, room inventory, availability, promotional arrangements and the conditions applicable across different sales channels. Decisions of the Turkish Competition Board have examined online and traditional accommodation booking channels in detail as markets with distinct competitive dynamics. Digital search and accommodation comparison services have also been considered in the Turkish Competition Authority's enforcement practice concerning abuse of dominance.
KFD Consulting assesses tourism companies' distribution models, platform relationships, commercial collaborations and investment transactions from a competition law perspective. The objective is not to restrict the revenue-management or distribution strategy of a hotel or tourism company, but to ensure that commercial relationships across different sales channels are structured within the boundaries of competition law.