Miguel Praga

💸 José Luis Ábalos, former Minister of Transport and ex-secretary general of Spain’s Socialist Party, discussed the strategic rescue of Air Europa, a major Spanish airline employing thousands, during a Christmas interview with Editorial Prensa Ibérica. The €1 billion Iberia deal and meetings with then Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Economy Minister Nadia Calviño, and Finance Minister María Jesús Montero were highlighted. A politically charged rescue, Air Europa was deemed essential for Spain's national interests.

📌 Spain's Interior Ministry disregards tourism sector warnings, upholding most provisions of the controversial documentary register law effective since December 2. The draft of the ministerial order maintains significant burdens on the industry. CEAV calls the draft disappointing for not excluding travel agencies and operators, criticizes the unaddressed issue of data sharing among multiple operators, and protests the six-month data retention period. CEAV to make formal objections by January 21, 2025.

🏖️ Barcelona City Council approved a new fiscal ordinance targeting tourism, with hoteliers accusing it of "criminalizing" the sector. The ordinance raises property tax for about 200 hotels by 17%, as well as for cruise terminals and Park Güell entries. Park Güell tickets increased by 80%, from 10 to 18 euros. Tourist buses now require a daily permit of 35 euros, plus additional fees in certain areas, totaling an increase from 20 to around 80 euros by 2025. The increases were supported by the left backing the PSC and opposed by Junts, Vox, and the Popular Party.