Simplification of price labelling requirements for accommodation establishments
The amendment to the Price Indication Act aims to reduce the administrative burden for the tourism sector and to adapt statutory requirements to the increasingly digital marketing of accommodation. Whereas price information used to be obtained directly on site, hotel bookings are now predominantly made via websites or booking platforms, meaning that the display of standard room price categories at the entrance is no longer up to date.
Previously, there was an obligation to display standard room price categories at the entrance, enabling guests to make an immediate price comparison. This obligation was abolished במסגרת the Budget Measures Act 2026. Today, price information is predominantly accessed digitally. In addition, room prices are now dynamic and vary depending on the season, occupancy or booking time. As a result, the presentation of standard room prices no longer reflected actual market conditions.
Another element of the amendment is the clarification regarding the indication of tourism levies. In the interest of legal certainty, it is specified that tourism levies (local taxes) may either be included in the price or shown separately.
Higher penalties for infringements
Penalties for violations of price indication requirements are being increased. Instead of the previously applicable maximum fine of €1,450, infringements of price indication provisions will in future be subject to a fine of up to €2,500 per product, with an overall cap of €10,000. In the event of repeated violations, the penalty framework increases to up to €3,750 per product, with a maximum of €15,000.
Furthermore, a multi-stage system for imposing penalties is being introduced. In the event of an infringement, an order to remedy the deficiency will initially be issued (“advice before penalties”). If this order is complied with, the authority will refrain from imposing a penalty. If the order is not fulfilled within a reasonable period, the infringement will be sanctioned with an administrative fine. The principle of “advice before penalties” can only be applied again after a period of twelve months.
The objective of this amendment is to reduce administrative burdens and to strengthen the enforcement of existing provisions through a more stringent system of sanctions. The changes will enter into force on the day following the promulgation of the Budget Measures Act 2026, which is expected to be 1 July 2026.