Now Hilton gets tough with online booking agents

Hilton has followed the lead of rival hotel group InterContinental in clamping down on online booking sites.

Chief executive David Michels said the company would cut links with online agents "who persist in operating misleading pricing practices and demand inequitable conditions".

He added: "We both value and intend to grow our relationship with online and offline distributors.

"Unfortunately some distributors increasingly promote hotels that deliver them the highest margin, rather than offer full choice to customers.

"We will cut ties with any distributor that misrepresents our products in any way.

"Today, the threat from such distributors is not significant for Hilton.

"However, unreasonable practices regarding both our customers and our hotels need to be nipped in the bud in order to protect future profitability."

His announcement came as Hilton signed a new deal with lastminute.com, giving it full access to the group's hotel room inventory.

In future, the group said it would only sell through such authorised distributors.

Aims of Hilton's initiative include:

ensuring all Hilton deals are promoted, not just those that make the most money for the agent

• ensuring all distributors pay on time

• ensuring a fair commissions structure

• ensuring the Hilton brand name "is not abused"

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