United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Singapore to crack down on misleading OTA pricing
Singapore’s competition watchdog has taken aim at the questionable tactics of online travel firms and has proposed a set of guidelines that meets the requirements of Singapore’s consumer protection act.
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has just concluded a nine-month study of the online travel booking market which highlights several issues over misleading practices.
It called out the practice of ‘drip pricing’ when online sites do not disclose all mandatory or optional charges upfront, such as taxes, insurance and payment processing fees.
It also criticised OTAs’ policy of adding optional extras as a default which are often missed and go unchecked by consumers.
CCCS also took issue with strike-through price comparisons which give the sometimes misleading impression a price has been discounted.
Under recommendations proposed, the agency warns online travel platforms against making false or misleading claims to apply pressure for a quick sale.
This includes giving misleading information over limited availability.
All fees should be included in the total headline price, the agency said.
The guidelines apply to online and offline providers and a period of public feedback until October 21 is seeking comments about the guidelines from consumers.
The CCCS study looked at the practises of dozens of online travel companies, not just the big players like Booking.com and Expedia.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’