ASTA Releases Hotel Watch List to Promote Commission Payment Transparency

The American Society for Travel Advisors (ASTA) made its Hotel Watch List publicly available to promote transparency and hold hotels accountable for unpaid commissions.

Previously only accessible to ASTA members, the list of 16 hotels is now available for all to see through March 13. The listed hotels were reported by travel advisors as having not paid commission for 45 days or more following completion of the client’s hotel stay. Hotels were notified of the complaint in writing and given 30 days to amend the situation. 

“Transparency drives better behavior,” said Peter Lobasso, ASTA’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “When commission issues go unreported, patterns of behavior among some hoteliers are allowed to persist. Publishing the Watch List sends a clear message that timely commission payment is not optional. It is fundamental to healthy advisor–supplier relationships.”   

Travel advisors can use ASTA’s Report a Hotel tool to notify ASTA about unpaid hotel commissions. ASTA reports that use of the tool has helped recover nearly $15,000 in commissions for travel advisors since its launch late last year. The organization has a goal to recover a total of $100,000 by the end of 2026.