Alex Cuenca

✈ Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, criticized the European Union's policies, claiming they undercut the competitiveness of the continent's aviation due to environmental policies. The airline association emphasizes that European carriers compete in a global market and are disadvantaged by unique policies not applied to non-European airlines, making their rivals more cost-efficient and competitive. IATA notes signs of the European Commission understanding that unilateral policies erode competitiveness, as travelers can choose alternative airlines. The Draghi report is seen as introducing common sense by highlighting aviation's role in facilitating prosperity across other economic sectors.

🏖️ In Baleares, business leaders fear Yolanda Díaz's plan to reduce the workweek from 40 to 37.5 hours, worrying about the impact on the tourism-dependent region. Juan Miguel Ferrer of CAEB Restauración predicts a sector collapse due to higher operational costs, especially with current narrow profit margins due to inflation and rising food prices. Transportation sector, with existing driver shortages, could worsen under the change, according to FEBT president Rafael Roig. CAEB's Carmen Planas criticizes the proposal's lack of prior viability studies, while unions like UGT and CCOO support the initiative for worker wellbeing and productivity. The debate continues, affecting Baleares' tourism future.

✈️ In Spring 2022, the Spanish Supreme Court confirmed the illegality of an indefinite partial strike at Ryanair's La Rinconada, Sevilla maintenance hangar. The strike occurred from March 21 to April 21, 2022. It was deemed illegal primarily because the required legal notice was not given. Spanish International Aircraft Maintenance initiated legal action leading to this outcome. The CCOO union's appeal, which relied on an unofficial communication, was rejected as it lacked formal pre-strike notification.

🌍 In Portugal, Francisco Calheiros, president of the Confederation of Portuguese Tourism, comments on border collapses for non-Schengen travelers due to biometric identification requirements. Britain's tourism, crucial for Portugal, is impacted. Previously, border waits hit one hour without the new system. Portuguese government finalizes biometric control implementation, deemed essential by Antonio Leitao Amaro, the Minister of the Presidency. The system also affects Spain and will be operational in November.

🏨 Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, calls for a crackdown on illegal vacation rentals, unregulated tour guides, pirate taxis, and certain parties in Ibiza to combat destination overcrowding and enhance competitiveness. Speaking at CEDE-organized breakfasts and reported by Expansión, he warns that unregulated activities foster tourism-phobia and could have repercussions. Escarrer discusses the need for a strategy to increase spending by fewer tourists over time and addresses labor absenteeism in European hotel staff, highlighting a disconnect between rights and obligations. He also notes the Middle East conflict as an unintended opportunity for the Canary Islands, preferring competitive merit over others' misfortunes.