Enhancing Trust in Hospitality: Signing the EU Code of Conduct on Online Reviews

On 25 February in Brussels, This is Athens-Convention and Visitors Bureau, operating on behalf of Develop Athens S.A., formally signed the EU Code of Conduct on Online Ratings and Reviews for Tourism Accommodation. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mr Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.

This strategic initiative brought together a comprehensive coalition of institutional stakeholders from across Europe. We joined fellow Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), ministries, consumer associations, booking platforms, and accommodation providers in a shared commitment to digital transparency.

The Importance of Authentic Feedback in the MICE Sector

Within the meetings and events industry, the quality and reliability of accommodation are critical factors in the overall success of any congress, incentive, or corporate gathering. As online reviews increasingly dictate booking decisions for both individual delegates and large-scale event planners, verifying the authenticity of this digital feedback is essential.

The primary objective of the new Code of Conduct is to establish a framework for clearer, fairer, and more trustworthy reviews. This initiative delivers a dual benefit for the sector:
 

• For planners and travellers: It provides the assurance needed to book with confidence, based on verified and accurate digital representation.
• For local businesses: It ensures that our accommodation providers receive genuine, balanced, and constructive feedback, protecting them from unverified claims.

A Commitment to a Transparent Destination 

A transparent tourism sector is foundational to a strong tourism economy. For This is Athens-CVB, participating in European regulatory frameworks is a necessary step in safeguarding the city's reputation. By supporting fair digital practices, we continue to ensure that Athens remains a trusted, dependable, and high-quality destination for the global business travel community and our local network of professionals.

By signing the Code, you commit to taking action to ensure genuine online reviews and ratings. 

Want to get involved? Contact: [email protected]

For more information regarding the first steps of the involvement of This is Athens-CVB read here: https://www.thisisathens.org/acvb/news-shaping-a-more-transparent-future-for-online-reviews-in-tourist-accommodation

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