Miguel Praga

💸 Italy attempts to ensure online reviews' authenticity with a new law; commentators must provide proof of visit, such as a bill or booking confirmation, and identify themselves. Reviews are limited to within 15 days post-visit. Non-compliance can lead to fines ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 10 million. TripAdvisor removed 2.7 million fake reviews, warned 9,000 businesses against manipulation, and found 360,000 false reviews by employees. Up to 30% of tourist business may be affected by fraudulent reviews, according to Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché.

🔎 Begoña Gómez, wife of the Spanish Prime Minister, is alarmed by Judge Peinado's potential investigation into the Air Europa rescue. She has requested through her lawyer to halt any proceedings, fearing a "fishing expedition." The National Court may authorize Peinado to clarify state aid provided to the Hidalgo's airline, amid concerns about possible criminal decisions. Despite government and prosecution opposition, the UCO supports continued scrutiny into the rescue, independent of political pressure, including Gómez's formal accusation of four crimes linked to her Complutense University connections and the rapidity of Air Europa's aid compared to other sector companies.

🏠 Politicians in Baleares are now taking the issue of vacation housing seriously due to a surge in tourists, signaling a commitment to enforce existing laws against illegal offerings. The focus is on compliance with laws previously unenforced, exemplified by the initiation of proceedings against the publicly known hospedería de Lluc in Mallorca. Enforcement actions underscore the shift in political determination to address illegal vacation rentals.

🚨 In Malta, a passenger on a Ryanair flight from Cologne was fined €2,000 for smoking onboard and disobeying crew instructions. Ryanair, seeking to enhance its image, supports the court's decision and plans further actions, including travel bans and civil damage claims, against passenger misconduct.

🌊 In Hurghada, Red Sea, a tourist submarine from Sindbad Submarines sank on Thursday, carrying 45 Russian tourists and causing 6 deaths, including 5 Russians and 1 Egyptian. The submarine was authorized to carry up to 44 passengers to a depth of 25 meters. Most survivors were rescued and are either in hotels or hospitals. The region, known for its coral reefs, has seen several recent maritime disasters, including a yacht fire killing 3 British tourists and another incident with 4 dead and 7 missing.

🏛 Up to 30% of the Rutas Culturales travel program's slots, part of the 'Imserso' of Madrid, are being sold outside the Community of Madrid, according to FECLAV President Jerónimo Fernández. FECLAV submitted a complaint to the Community of Madrid but received an inappropriate response. The Madrid 'Imserso' program offers 350,000 slots per season, and its expansion is affecting travel agencies' and tour operators' profit margins, as they cannot compete with the lower prices.

📅 Begoña Gómez, wife of Spain's President, requests Judge Juan Carlos Peinado of Madrid's Court No. 41 to withdraw from investigating the Air Europa bailout, alleging lack of legal support for his "prospective investigation" approach which contradicts Audiencia Provincial's doctrine. She claims to be a victim of a "fishing expedition," arguing investigations should only occur when there are existing indications of a crime, not to search for potential evidence.