Juan Mestre

📊 Javier Hidalgo, former CEO of Globalia, attended the Senate investigation commission of the 'Koldo case' after the PP warned him that failing to appear could lead to six months to a year in prison or a twelve to twenty-four-month fine. Hidalgo had tried to delay his appearance until the day before, seeking to testify via videoconference. He attempted to avoid in-person attendance due to a flight diversion to New York from Los Angeles caused by a medical emergency on board. Despite being sought for months and having missed two previous appointments, Hidalgo only read a statement at the commission, refusing to answer questions, and acknowledged having met Begoña Gómez several times.

📌 Starting Monday, Spain's new traveler registration decree, known as 'Gran Hermano' by Marlaska, came into effect, increasing control over travelers in regulated establishments, while potentially benefiting illegal offerings, which require no data submission. The decree mandates that hotels, hostels, pensions, guest houses, rural tourism establishments, campings, and motorhome parking areas provide 42 pieces of data to the Ministry of the Interior, including digital platforms and car rental services. Airbnb has warned property owners of a mandatory data submission, risking fines up to €30,000. Hoteliers oppose the decree for infringing data protection laws, arguing it may compromise client data for three years and hurt Spain's tourism image, as UK tabloids have begun advising against travel to Spain due to bureaucratic check-in hassles.

🏦 Víctor de Aldama revealed intentions to gift José Luis Ábalos a 282 sq meter apartment on Paseo de la Castellana, rented to Antonio Mata, former president of Aerolíneas Argentinas. The luxury apartment, valued over €2 million, was part of a bribe for 128 public work contracts. It's under a 20-year lease to Royal Premier Hoteles, managed by Mata, with a €700,000 mortgage from 2022. The property, on the 19th floor of Edificio Feygon, is owned by Batarse y Asociados, established in 2015 with Aldama as the initial sole administrator.

📌 Tourists registering at hotels, travel agencies, and rent-a-car services in Spain are now required to provide up to 42 pieces of information, according to a mandate by Minister Fernández Grande Markasla starting Monday. This move, contrary to the unanimous opinion of the tourism sector, is critiqued by the hotel industry as a violation of the Data Protection Law. Social media has filled with memes comparing the registration process for travelers in regulated establishments to the perceived ease of entry for immigrants into Spain.

📌 Spanish tourism sector criticizes implementation of Royal Decree 933/2021, requiring hotels, travel agencies, and car rentals to collect up to 42 customer data points, risking tourism activity. CEAV argues the decree is disproportionate and jeopardizes cybersecurity. Cehat condemns government's lack of communication and transparency, demanding a thorough review of the decree. Non-compliance fines can reach €30,000.