Jurídicos y Administrativos

🏨 The Spanish Hotel Directors Association (AEDH) and the Hotel Business Association of Madrid (AEHM) filed complaints against Booking in 2021. Booking faces legal action for anti-competitive practices between 2019 and 2024, sanctioned by the CNMC. Spanish hotels impacted by Booking's conduct, which imposed unfair contract terms and restricted competition, may seek civil claims for damages. Over 10,000 potential claimants could seek compensation, with the amount depending on various factors. Eskariam law firm is leading the charge for claims.

🏢 Begoña Gómez frequently visited the World Tourism Organization (OMT) since the creation of Wakalua by Globalia, OMT, and Grupo Barrabés. Despite the innovation hub's operations center being located at Grupo Barrabés' headquarters, she held constant meetings with the OMT's Secretary-General and senior officials. Notably, Gómez visited Javier Hidalgo's office in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid at least twice, once recorded during the first year of the pandemic. Comparatively, her visits to Globalia were minimal versus those to the OMT. Concerns rise over potential influence peddling regarding the Air Europa bailout, amidst the so-called "caso Begoña.

✈ Iberia's planned acquisition of Air Europa has come under scrutiny by the European Commission, noting Qatar Airways' 25% ownership in IAG, which raises concerns about non-European influence on the merged entity, not considered a 'true European champion' like Lufthansa. Key issues focus on competition and market dominance, particularly concerning routes operated by Air Europa.

✈ Air Europa's acquisition by Iberia (IAG) failed due to competition concerns from the European Commission, influenced by dominant Germany and France. Spain remained neutral during the crucial phase. Vice President Margrethe Vestager highlighted the merger's potential to harm competition on numerous Spanish routes, fearing higher prices or lower service quality. IAG’s offer to cede 52% of Air Europa's flights didn't fully address these issues. This is the second failed attempt after concerns in 2021; Air Europa is now stronger than before, complicating solutions.

✈ IAG and Iberia informed the European Commission of their decision to cancel the purchase of Air Europa on Thursday, after reporting a net profit of €905 million for January to June, a 1.7% decrease from €921 million in the same period last year. Iberia, which faces high demands from the Directorate-General for Competition, will pay Globalia a €50 million penalty, after a previous withdrawal in June 2021 that cost them €75 million. IAG's stock rose by 5% on the Spanish stock market following the announcement. Air Europa aims to consolidate its position in the connectivity between Europe and America, based on its Strategic Plan 2024-2026, showing a 6.5% increase in the first semester compared to 2023.

🏠 In the Comunidad Valenciana, tourism accommodation licenses must be renewed every five years, with municipalities able to limit their use following a new decree law. As of July 15, 2024, there are 105,111 registered tourist use accommodations, a 160.4% increase since 2015. Tourist homes represent 1.8% of the housing stock. Key measures of the decree include mandatory reporting of cadastral references by December 31, the ability of local governments to regulate VUTs by area, and the prohibition of key drop boxes in public areas. HOSBEC views the decree positively but sees more work ahead.

✈️ Aena shares dropped over 6% following the announcement of a new governance model for Catalan airports in the PSC-ERC investiture agreement. Despite a financial gain of €808.6 million in H1, uncertainty surrounding the proposal has negatively impacted the company. The agreement proposes a new Catalonia Airport Management Council (CRAC) to replace the current airport coordination committee (CCA), raising concerns over changes in airport management. Aena's CEO Maurici Lucena plans to monitor the pact's outcomes closely and defend company interests. The deal omits discussions on El Prat airport's third runway expansion and doesn't address the controversial extension of the protected area (ZEPA) around the airport, which could hinder future development.

🛑 Following the presidential elections on July 28, Venezuela has tightened entry controls, particularly for flights from Madrid to Caracas. Airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra are required to send passenger lists at the end of ticket sales to INAC, as per INAC President Leonardo Alberto Briceño's directive, to pre-identify travelers entering Venezuela.

🏖 More than 120,000 vacation homes are affecting the Balearic Islands, an area with a population of one million. The Forum de la Societat Civil, a left-wing group against tourism, proposed 200 measures excluding the regulation of vacation rentals. This critical issue, causing an influx of tourists and rental cars, remains untouched despite its significant impact on the local market.

📌 AEHM and AEDH took action against Booking.com, leading to a CNMC ruling imposing a €413 million fine. The hotel industry sees this as a positive step towards fair competition and transparency. Booking's dominance, handling 70-90% of hotel bookings, was challenged for contract terms that hindered competition and market access. The CNMC now requires Booking to revise its practices and contracts, aligning with new EU directives DMA and DSA, promoting competition and consumer transparency. The AEDH's legal advisor, Javier Zamora, emphasizes the importance of eliminating abusive clauses. The Spanish tourism industry is expected to become more competitive and transparent as a result.