Let's Chat! From Jacqueline Beaulieu

Jacqueline Beaulieu, HMCC, MMP | Vice President of Membership Senior Director, Marketing, Advocacy and Client Strategy Poretta & Orr Exhibits & Events

The U.S. House has passed the 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝘁, aimed at eliminating hidden fees in hotel and short-term rental pricing. This legislation mandates that all mandatory fees, such as resort, cleaning, and service fees, be included in the advertised price, excluding only government-imposed taxes. The rule is set to take effect in April 2025. ​

🆂🅾, 🅷🅾🆆 🅳🅾🅴🆂 🆃🅷🅸🆂 🅱🅴🅽🅴🅵🅸🆃 🅼🅴🅴🆃🅸🅽🅶 🅿🅻🅰🅽🅽🅴🆁🆂?

In several ways: Accurate Budgeting: With all mandatory fees included upfront, planners can create budgets without unexpected charges popping up later.​ Simplified Comparison Shopping: Transparent pricing allows for easier comparison between venues, allowing planners to select the most cost-effective option(s).​ Enhanced Client Trust: Providing clients with clear pricing creates trust and reduces the likelihood of unforeseen costs.​ Streamlined Contract Negotiations: Clearly outlining all fees makes the negotiation process simplified, as all costs are known from the outset.​ Under the new legislation, resort fees, cleaning fees, and service fees must be included in the advertised price of hotel rooms and short-term rentals. This move is designed to prevent deceptive pricing practices and ensure all are fully informed of the total cost upfront. ​While the act doesn't prohibit these fees, it requires their disclosure. This change is expected to allow us, including meeting planners to make informed decisions. ​ Bottomline: For meeting planners, this means a more straightforward planning process, fewer surprises, and more predictable costs.