Jurídicos y Administrativos

🌍 In Catalonia, the tourist tax or "ecotasa" was first implemented in 2012, with rates up to €7.5 per night varying by accommodation type and season. Barcelona adds €3.25 per night for overnight stays and cruises. The Balearic Islands have collected this tax since 2016, ranging from €1 to €4 per night, with a 25% reduction in the low season and a 50% reduction after eight nights. Seniors on Imserso trips and children under 16 are exempt.

📊 The European Commission in Brussels wields vast discretionary power over commercial competition without objective norms to limit decision-making. Iberia, unsure of regulatory outcomes, abandoned its Air Europa acquisition, while Lufthansa's ITA purchase faced similar uncertainties. Dominant market positions are scrutinized; Mercadona and Ryanair must be cautious despite gaining influence through quality and competitive pricing. Amadeus, with an 80% market share, and global tech giants face less regulatory attention. Consumer protection in aviation raises questions about competition and public subsidies. Clearer competition regulations are needed to prevent corruption and ensure market access for new competitors.

🏩 British Airways' Embraer E190SR executed an impressive short stop after landing at San Sebastián Airport. Captured by “Spotting and more”, the aircraft took about 10 seconds from touchdown of its nose gear to completion of the maneuver heading to the boarding gate.

💸 IAG announced the acquisition of Air Europa for €1 billion on November 4, 2019. COVID-19 impacted the deal, leading to a price adjustment to €500 million and a rescue of Air Europa by the Spanish government for €475 million. In March 2022, IAG loaned €100 million to Air Europa, convertible to a 20% stake. In February 2023, they agreed to acquire the remaining 80% for €400 million, pending EU approval. On August 1, 2024, Iberia withdrew from the purchase due to regulatory demands.

🏨 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.