The German Accessibility Reinforcement Act (BFSG) has, since 28 June 2025, obliged hotels and restaurants to offer certain digital consumer services accessibly — above all online booking and online ordering. Whoever lets consumers book rooms, tables or food via their website operates "electronic commerce" within the meaning of the act. The benchmark is the European standard (EN 301 549, in practice: WCAG 2.1 AA). Accessibility is more than duty: it wins guests, improves usability for everyone — and feeds SEO.
Three inputs — affectedness and the most important next steps appear instantly.
As of mid-2026, not legal advice. The micro-enterprise exemption applies to SERVICES (not products) — and market surveillance can demand proof. Independent of duty: every barrier is a lost guest.
| Area | Typical requirements (WCAG 2.1 AA) |
|---|---|
| Booking/ordering flow | Fully keyboard-operable, form fields labelled, error messages understandable, fair time limits |
| Content | Alt texts for images, sufficient contrast (4.5:1), scalable text, clear heading structure |
| Documents | Menus/price lists as accessible HTML or tagged PDF — a photo of the menu is a barrier |
| Statement | Accessibility statement with status and a contact channel for barrier reports |
Micro-enterprises (under 10 employees AND max €2m turnover) are exempt for services — many guesthouses qualify. But: the threshold is re-checked yearly, booking platforms increasingly demand conformity, and accessible websites convert better. Recommendation: implement the quick wins anyway.
No — overlays don't repair the underlying issues and are considered insufficient, sometimes counterproductive, by experts and audit bodies. The route is clean HTML, contrasts and tested processes.
Market surveillance can order fixes, prohibit services and impose fines (up to €100,000); add warning-letter risks. Realistically it starts with complaints and deadlines — whoever shows a plan stands well.
Yes: the audience (older guests, people with impairments, situational barriers like bright sunlight) is large and loyal; better structure and alt texts strengthen SEO; clear forms reduce booking abandonment for ALL guests.