"Booking.com has been doing business in illegal Israeli settlements for years", 27 December 2023

Booking.com still offers accommodations in at least 21 illegal Israeli settlements. Human rights organisations say that the Dutch company contributes to the violation of the civil and political rights of Palestinians.

“Facilitating occupation”

Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, strongly criticised Israel's military activities in the Gaza Strip following Hamas' violent attack on October 7.

Earlier, the UN Human Rights Council had said it believes that foreign firms’ economic activity actually facilitates Israel’s occupation. 

Booking.com, the world's most-visited travel platform, nevertheless still offers dozens of accommodations in at least 21 Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, according to an analysis by Follow the Money. 

The offers range from hotels and flats to bed and breakfasts, glamping sites and Bedouin tents.

Booking.com speaks of “good” and even “excellent” locations. What the company doesn’t say: the settlements are illegal under international law.

Discouraging companies

The Netherlands – where Booking.com is registered – considers Israeli settlements in occupied territory as contrary to international law. Therefore, the government claims it discourages companies from entering into economic relations with businesses located there. This discouragement looks like this: companies that approach the government themselves are informed that business activities in Israeli settlements are unwanted politically; but there is no ban or sanction on doing business in occupied territory.

15 per cent per reservation

Of the Palestinian territories, the West Bank in particular is a popular travel destination for European and American Christians, who visit Biblical sites there to retrace Jesus’ footsteps. But according to the Human Rights Council, tourism activities contribute to the profitability of settlements. Companies like Booking.com facilitate these activities and reek in profits. For example, Booking.com charges an average 15 per cent commission per reservation worldwide, the company confirmed in an email.

The US parent company, Booking Holdings, stated in 2022 that it and all its subsidiaries adhere to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which require action against negative impacts of business operations on human rights. It also wrote that it expects employees, business partners and customers to be committed to respecting and promoting human rights.

But it seems the Dutch branch Booking.com is not taking the OECD guidelines seriously.

Unfair practices

In its statement about accommodations in conflict zones, the parent company emphasised “that customers should be allowed to decide for themselves where they travel to” and “in general, it is not our place to limit their choices”. 

The company also wrote that it endeavours to provide customers with transparent information about accommodations in conflict zones so they can make informed choices. But Follow the Money’s assessment paints a different picture. Booking.com does not mention on any of its web pages offering accommodations in Israeli settlements that those are located in conflict zones.

And although Booking.com said in 2019 that it would henceforth use the designation ‘Israeli settlement,’ the company is not consistent in fulfilling that commitment either. 

... None of the 32 individual accommodations mentions that until you make a reservation. This could be in violation of the rules for fair trade practices. Consumers must be given complete and accurate information so they can make an informed decision.

COMPANIES IN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

On 30 June 2023, the UN published an updated list of companies operating in occupied Palestinian territories; Booking.com was still on it.

By publishing a list of companies active in Israeli settlements, the UN is trying to pressure them to stop operating in those areas.

Dutch companies involved in violations of international humanitarian law can be dealt with under the International Crimes Act.

According to Handmaker, such lawsuits are also possible against Booking.com. “That company can be held liable because it contributes to violations of international law. The UN’s list confirms that its business facilitates illegal settlements.”

Very little is required to launch a criminal investigation, the researcher says. “But the decision to prosecute this company is politically sensitive.” 

Handmaker: “Customers, shareholders and other investors can also make their own choices. Booking.com must explain why it is still operating in occupied Palestinian territories.”

RESPONSES

Booking.com

“Our mission at Booking.com is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, and as such, we believe it’s up to travellers to decide where they want and need to go. To that end, we permit all accommodation providers worldwide to list on our platform as long as they comply with applicable local laws. If a particular region may be categorised as disputed or conflict-affected, and as such, may pose greater risks to travellers, we include information to help make sure travellers can make their own informed decisions or at least check the official travel guidelines of their government as part of their decision-making process. ...”