eDreams Joins Global Efforts to Block Listings in Israeli-Occupied West Bank, Aligning with Human Rights

Published on September 3, 2025

Spanish travel firm eDreams ODIGEO has begun removing accommodation entries situated in Israeli-occupied areas of the West Bank, reinforcing its pledge to uphold international human rights norms and to prevent its platform from facilitating what it views as unlawful settlements. The step seeks to close a gap that the company, it says, has waited to close until the wider impact of a move on thousands of small businesses across the region could be assessed.

A firm of record, eDreams has been listed by the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights and has no intentions of delaying what was already a deliberated course. Human Rights organizations and other stakeholder boards have registered close to a decade the firm has not sold tours, offered payment plans, placed ads for, or given credit to any listing tagged as a settlement. They describe the deletion of inventory as a logical move and, it is hoped, preventive of future encumbrance.

eDreams Takes Proactive Measures to Address Human Rights Concerns

In response to this issue, eDreams implemented new safeguards to filter out listings from settlements deemed illegal under international law. These measures, activated through location screenings, will prevent such listings from being featured on the platform in the future. The company assured its stakeholders that this decision was made in consultation with both the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), underscoring its commitment to respecting human rights.

At a recent Annual General Meeting, eDreams faced protests led by pro-Palestinian groups, who highlighted the company’s inclusion on the 2023 UN list. eDreams’ management responded by assuring that the listing issue was a result of automation, not a deliberate act to support settlements. Moving forward, the company has expressed its determination to ensure that it will not be included in future reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Role of Automation in Online Travel Platforms

The automation of listings on travel portals is a double-edged sword, as it enables quicker updates but can also inadvertently cause sensitive issues to slip through the cracks. eDreams, along with other online travel companies, faces the challenge of managing these systems while adhering to international legal standards. However, eDreams is now refining its automated processes to ensure that only compliant listings appear on its platform, reducing the risk of inadvertently supporting settlements.

Maintaining Ethical Standards in the Travel Industry

In addition to improving its internal systems, eDreams has been in communication with various NGOs and local organisations to ensure its platform adheres to global ethical standards. The company also expressed its dedication to preventing future listings of properties that may contribute to the maintenance and existence of illegal settlements.

The company’s chief financial officer, David Elizaga, stated that eDreams’ decision to withdraw these listings is part of a broader effort to align with human rights policies and avoid any association with activities deemed contrary to international law. eDreams has pledged to continue collaborating with international bodies to uphold its commitment to ethical business practices.

Looking Ahead: Travel and Human Rights in the Digital Age

As the global travel industry becomes increasingly digital, the responsibility of companies like eDreams to operate in a manner that respects human rights is more significant than ever. With travel platforms increasingly being scrutinised for the content they host, the demand for transparency and accountability continues to grow. The ability for companies to filter and review listings, ensuring compliance with human rights standards, is essential for maintaining the integrity of the travel industry.

Looking forward, eDreams remains committed to ensuring that its platform aligns with both ethical considerations and human rights law, setting an example for other companies in the travel sector. The company’s move to block accommodation listings in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is just one step in ensuring that online travel platforms contribute positively to society while providing consumers with a responsible and ethical service.

eDreams Leads Ethical Travel Movement with New Measures

In a significant step forward, eDreams has begun removing all offers for accommodation and services in Israeli-occupied West Bank settlements, underscoring the company’s pledge to uphold human rights. By deploying upgraded automated tools capable of detecting and rejecting settlement listings that breach both international law and its own policies, the platform strengthens the ethical framework of online travel booking. Ongoing collaboration with respected international organisations allows eDreams to refine its practices, helping guarantee that travellers everywhere can use the site with confidence that their choices will not inadvertently support illegal activity.