Core Viewpoint - The online accommodation booking market is experiencing significant growth, with an annual growth rate exceeding 10%, but it faces challenges such as booking inconsistencies, data privacy issues, and unclear responsibilities between platforms and service providers [1][2]. Group 1: Market Growth and Challenges - The global online accommodation booking market has been growing at an annual rate of over 10% in recent years [1]. - Challenges in the industry include issues like overbooking, inability to modify or cancel reservations, discrepancies between service descriptions and actual services, and data privacy concerns [1]. - The lack of clarity regarding the responsibilities of platforms and accommodation providers can lead to consumer disputes [1][2]. Group 2: New Standards and Regulations - Two international standards, the "OTA Online Accommodation Booking Platform Service Guidelines" and "Exhibitions and Events Part 1: Terminology," have been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), led by China [1][2]. - The guidelines aim to standardize services on online accommodation booking platforms, enhancing responsibility clarity, information transparency, and dispute resolution mechanisms [2][3]. - The standards address issues such as the need for clear cancellation policies and the prohibition of unfair trading conditions based on user data [3]. Group 3: Impact on the Industry - The implementation of these standards is expected to enhance the reputation of "Chinese services" and encourage international tourists to visit China with confidence [4]. - The unification of online accommodation booking service standards across countries will help reduce information asymmetry and provide a consistent experience for Chinese tourists abroad [4]. - The standards have already been adopted as national standards in countries like the UK and Bulgaria, indicating a trend towards more regulated and sustainable development in the global online travel industry [4].

Core Points - The article discusses the release of the first international standard for online travel agencies (OTAs) led by China, which aims to standardize online accommodation booking services and address issues like data privacy and hidden charges [1][2][5]. Group 1: Standard Development - The international standard titled "Service Guide for Online Accommodation Booking Platforms" was approved with a high support rate of 97.22%, marking it as the first international standard in this domain [2]. - The standard was developed over three years with contributions from experts across 16 countries and five international organizations, reflecting a global consensus [1][4]. - The process included addressing concerns from various stakeholders, such as the inclusion of accessibility features for elderly and disabled individuals [3][4]. Group 2: Key Features of the Standard - The standard emphasizes "zero-barrier" booking for special groups, listing essential accessibility features like parking, pathways, and service areas [3]. - It discourages unfair trading conditions based on big data analysis of user behavior, aiming to reduce hidden consumption issues [6]. - The standard proposes a fair evaluation system for online reviews, combining technology and manual checks to prevent fake reviews and enhance user trust [7]. Group 3: Industry Impact - The implementation of this standard is expected to shift platforms from a "matching" role to a "responsible" role, promoting sustainable industry development [8]. - It serves as a reference for global online accommodation platforms, showcasing China's openness and aiming to attract more inbound tourism [8]. - The standard aims to minimize information gaps between domestic and international travelers, ensuring a seamless experience from booking to check-in [8].