Despite industry appeals, Expedia-Orbitz merger approved

Paris. Last week, representatives of the French National Assembly surprised everybody after voting an amendment that will exclude any kind of parity rate clause from contracts between local hoteliers and OTAs. A first in Europe. Named after the Minister of Economy who is battling to bring back "national growth and activity”, the Macron's bill should officially pass before July 14th. According to the French newspaper "Les Echos", first measures will apply by the end of August, which means current contracts between hoteliers and online agencies will become null and void, effective immediately. Booking.com predicts heavy price pressure in the market. In Australia, the Competition and Consumer Commission prepared the ground to increase the power of OTAs – and is being criticized for this.