Alex Cuenca

🛫 The Spanish government upheld a €179 million fine against five low-cost airlines for charging for hand luggage. Consumer associations urge affected travelers to claim refunds. The fines were distributed as follows: Ryanair €107.78 million (60.23%), Vueling €39.26 million (21.94%), Easyjet €29.09 million (16.26%), Volotea €1.19 million (0.66%), and Norwegian €1.61 million (0.90%). Claims can be made without cost for amounts under €2,000. The airlines, backed by the Airline Association (ALA), plan to appeal the decision, which they consider illegal and potentially harmful to passengers.

📌 Spanish hoteliers warn of the impending introduction of Marlaska's 'Big Brother' tourism regulation, set to take effect on December 2, which they fear will disadvantage Spain against destinations valuing privacy and administrative simplicity. CEHAT's president, Jorge Marichal, criticizes the regulation for tripling the data requirements, potentially deterring tourists due to intrusive administrative processes and compromising Spain's reputation. Up to 31 data points must be collected, with potential fines up to €30,000 for non-compliance, adding pressure to hoteliers' daily operations. Marichal urges the government to reconsider the measure to protect Spain's tourism economy and maintain its global reputation as a leading destination.

🏠 The Community of Madrid's RESIDE plan, presented yesterday by Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida, targets the regulation of tourist apartments, dividing the city into two areas: the historic center with higher concentrations and the outer zone. In the historic center, tourist apartments in residential buildings are banned, only allowed in exclusive blocks, with a temporary 15-year change linked to building restoration. The outer zone permits tourist apartments with current conditions, requiring independent access. Madrid's city council anticipates the plan's implementation in August 2025 after public information phases and approval, complementing a transitory plan suspending new licenses and intensifying penalties for illegal offerings.