Google has removed the dedicated vacation rental module from the main search results page for users across the European Economic Area (EEA), as part of ongoing efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The change removes the visibility of direct properties within Google Travel search for the European market, a move that has drawn divergent reactions between the tech giant and competing platforms.
In a statement to PhocusWire, Nick Fox, senior vice president at Google, argued that these changes negatively affect the user experience in Europe, favoring online intermediaries over local businesses and direct searches. In contrast, Patrick Andrae, co-founder and CEO of Berlin-based German company HomeToGo, welcomed the decision as a step toward fair competition. According to platform Hospitable, EEA property owners will no longer receive impressions or bookings via this module in Google Search, though listings will remain functional in Google Maps, google.com/hotels, and for users outside the European bloc.
The operational adjustments come amid punitive measures imposed by the European Commission. Although Alphabet was designated a “gatekeeper” in July 2023 and previously proposed 20 compliance modifications, the European executive determined in March 2025 that the group continued to violate the DMA. Subsequently, the Commission imposed a €460 million fine for self-preferencing its own search services and another penalty of €430 million related to restrictions placed on developers in the Google Play store. European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen demanded the company ensure fair and non-discriminatory treatment for similar third-party services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Google remove the vacation rental module in the EEA?
Google removed this module to comply with the requirements of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Where can vacation rentals still be viewed on Google?
Listings remain visible on Google Maps, on google.com/hotels, and in searches performed by users outside the European Economic Area.
How does this change affect accommodation property owners?
EEA property owners will no longer receive impressions or direct bookings through Google’s primary search module, which could increase reliance on intermediary platforms.