Trivago faces court over allegations of misleading consumers
Hotel booking site Trivago stands accused of ripping off its users and could face fines up to $10 million.
The site has been caught out comparing rates for standard rooms with luxury suites to steer customers towards hotels which pay it more commission.
In a statement the Australian consumer watchdog said Trivago’s website “prioritised advertisers who were willing to pay the highest cost per click fee” like Expedia and Booking.com.
Trivago admitted its initial search page offers were not the lowest rates in a statement, saying some consumers have formed “an erroneous belief”. The matter will be heard in the Federal Court next week.
Sheridan Randall, 4th December 2018
