The move is expected to increase visibility of hotels that have not paid hotel commissions. (Source: Eric Bowman)
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has made its Hotel Watch List available to the public through March 13, 2026, in an effort to bolster the visibility of properties that have not paid commissions and “encourage industry participation in ASTA’s Report a Hotel tool,” the Society said.
The tool, unveiled in late 2025, helped recover nearly $15,000 in unpaid commissions, with a goal of recovering $100,000 in commissions this year.
“Commissions earned are commissions owed, period. Our members should not have to chase money they are contractually due,” said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby.
By making the Watch List public, we are increasing pressure where pressure is warranted and reinforcing a simple standard across the industry: pay advisors on time,” he added. “If a hotel does not want to be publicly identified for poor commission practices, the solution is straightforward: resolve the issue and pay what is owed.”
The list identifies hotels reported by ASTA members that haven’t paid commissions for 45 days or more after clients complete their stays at the properties.
“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,” he added. “It is fundamental to healthy advisor–supplier relationships.”
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