Digital Accessibility: What restaurants and hotels need to know before the European Accessibility Act takes effect – and how aleno supports them.
On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force, impacting all websites and promoting digital accessibility. With its revised reservation widget, aleno now meets the requirements of the Accessibility Act. But what exactly does this mean – and why is it especially important for restaurants and hotels?
What is the Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is an EU-wide directive aimed at improving digital accessibility. Its goal is to ensure that people with impairments have equal access to digital services and products – whether it’s online shopping, banking, or reserving a table at a restaurant.
Starting June 28, 2025, all new digital products and services offered in the EU must comply with the EAA. This also includes many business websites, especially those intended for commercial purposes and that offer essential services or products online.
Which websites are affected by the EAA?
The Accessibility Act applies to all companies offering digital services or products publicly in the EU – regardless of whether they are based in the EU or not. This includes, in particular:
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E-commerce websites
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Booking and reservation platforms
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Banking and payment services
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Public transport services
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Hotel and hospitality websites with booking functions
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Apps and self-service terminals (e.g., in hotels or restaurants)
Purely private websites or very small businesses (e.g. with fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million in revenue) may be exempt – but only if they do not provide essential digital services. When in doubt, legal review is recommended.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Compliance with the Accessibility Act is monitored by the national market surveillance authorities. Depending on the country, violations may lead to:
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Fines
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Warnings or official orders
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Cease-and-desist letters from competitors or associations
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Reputational damage and negative publicity
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Exclusion from public tenders
Accessibility is therefore not just an ethical or inclusive concern – it is increasingly becoming a legal and economic factor.
What does accessibility mean for websites?
Accessibility doesn’t just mean that a website “works” – it means it can be used equally well by all people, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments. This includes:
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Clear, understandable content
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Keyboard navigation without a mouse
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Screen reader compatibility for users with visual impairments
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Sufficient color contrast and legible font sizes
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Alternative text for images
These requirements are defined by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), an international standard also referenced by the EAA.
What do restaurants and hotels need to do now?
The first step is to ensure that your own website and all integrated tools are accessible. This is especially important for reservation or booking widgets – often third-party elements over which operators have limited control.
aleno has taken action: The new reservation widget has been thoroughly revised and now complies with WCAG 2.1 at Level AA – the recommended standard for fulfilling the Accessibility Act. This enables our customers to offer their guests a legally compliant and inclusive booking solution.
How can I check if my website is accessible?
There are several ways to test your website's accessibility:
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Automated testing with tools such as WAVE, axe DevTools, or Lighthouse.
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Manual testing, for example using keyboard navigation or a screen reader.
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Professional audits by agencies or accessibility experts.
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Ask your providers: Do you use third-party widgets or plugins? Ask specifically about their compliance with the Accessibility Act.
Conclusion
The Accessibility Act brings not only legal obligations – it also offers the chance to reach new target groups and enable digital inclusion for everyone. Those who implement the requirements also increase their online visibility. With aleno’s accessible reservation widget, restaurants and hotels are on the safe side. And your guests? They'll thank you – whether they book with a mouse, a keyboard, or a screen reader.
Switch now and stay ahead of the curve:
👉 Learn more about accessibility with aleno
