Alex Cuenca

🏨 In the Comunidad Valenciana, the tourism sector is experiencing issues due to a new system imposed by the Ministry of the Interior that complicates hotel operations. Hosbec, led by president Fede Fuster, criticizes the logistical challenge of the system, which has been problematic since its implementation, including a collapse on December 2. The double communication requirement for reservations is a particular issue, with hotels having to report at both booking and guest arrival times. Three months after the decree's enforcement, the Ministerial Order detailing its application remains unpublished, leading to uncertainty and potential short-term changes. Hosbec demands urgent corrective measures, suggesting that reporting should be limited to client registration using ID documents.

💰 Facua-Consumidores en Acción launched a campaign targeting Ryanair for alleged "massive frauds" related to cancellations, delays, and hand luggage surcharges. The initiative followed a meeting with Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs, aimed at informing passengers about their rights. Facua plans to spread the word via social media and 250,000 emails. A historic fine was imposed by Spain's Ministry in May 2024, penalizing low-cost airlines including Ryanair with €179 million; Ryanair's share was €107 million. Passengers can claim compensation of €250-€600 for disruptions.

✈ Iberia aims to expand its fleet by 23 new aircraft by 2028 as part of its "Plan de Vuelo 2030" to enhance growth and establish Madrid-Barajas as a leading European hub. In 2023, seven aircraft will be added, followed by two in 2026, eight in 2027, and six in 2028, including three A350 models for routes to Latin America and seven A321XLRs to increase connectivity with the US East Coast. Due to aircraft shortages and manufacturer delays, Iberia has outsourced some routes to other airlines. By 2027, Iberia plans to upgrade 20 A330 and 14 A350 with new business class suites featuring privacy doors, currently in 20% of the wide-body fleet. Financially, Iberia's goals include maintaining an operating margin of 12-15%, comparable to the 13.6% achieved in 2024.

📍 Juan Molas, president of Spain's Mesa del Turismo, in an interview with Preferente, calls for a unified national legal framework to address the challenges in the Spanish tourism sector, including the regulation of tourist homes and the need for transparency and legal certainty. He advocates for a dedicated Tourism Ministry, criticizes the government's inaction on RD 933/2021, stresses the importance of qualified labor, and touches on the impact of international politics on tourism. The interview underscores concerns over tourism-phobic protests and the need for administration and private sector collaboration to promote tourism positively. Mesa del Turismo, comprising over 100 members, continues to focus on qualitative growth, and Santiago Vallejo has been appointed for institutional relations to maintain contact with public administrations and diplomatic representatives.

🚀 Carlos Moreno, chief of staff for the Spanish Finance Minister María Jesús Montero, confirmed involvement with Víctor de Aldama regarding irregular dealings at Ciudad Real International Airport. Rafael Gómez Arribas, the airport owner, owes €86.13 million in taxes. Moreno admitted to discussing a €32 million ICO credit for the airport and mentioned lies by Montero about meetings with scheme leader Koldo. A property purchase in Madrid followed the scandal on March 16, 2020. The Spanish government's agreement for an emergency center at the airport was scrapped in June 2020 due to the scandal. In May 2020, Aldama sought pandemic-related financing, coinciding with the airport's first flight from Guangzhou, China, for mask supplies.