Google search visibility - feedback to the Ec

The European Experience Alliance, representing tour operators and experience providers across Europe, has submitted formal feedback to the European Commission on Alphabet’s July 8, 2025 proposals for compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Alliance highlighted the existential impact that changes to Google Search visibility could have on small and medium-sized businesses in the Things To Do industry.

In their letter, the Alliance strongly advocated for a solution that ensures fair and independent visibility for direct suppliers, warning against self-preferencing and features that could distort consumer choice, such as price tags and comparison tools. They emphasized the critical role of vertical search platforms (VSSs) in helping smaller operators reach customers and called for transparency in ranking criteria, fair visibility for the Supplier Unit, and caution around AI Overviews that could displace organic results.

The European Experience Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regulators throughout the ongoing DMA non-compliance investigation into Google Search, offering to provide further feedback, data, and clarifications as the Commission moves toward final decisions. The letter underscores the sector’s need for balanced regulations that protect both consumer choice and the sustainable growth of the Travel Experiences vertical.