Jurídicos y Administrativos

🏨 The newly formed Asociación de Cadenas Hoteleras de Canarias (ACHC) issued a statement on April 4, clarifying that it doesn't intend to break away from Ashotel. Pilar Parejo, the president of ACHC and corporate affairs director at Barceló in Canarias, signed the release. ACHC includes Grupo Barceló, Meliá Hotels International, Grupo Piñero (HRD Hotels), Hyatt, Iberostar Group, and RIU Hotels & Resorts. The association aims to provide a discussion forum for the unique issues of hotel chains and to contribute new perspectives, particularly in the labor sphere, while sending a message of business unity.

💰 Donald Trump's tariff policy may adversely affect the U.S. economy, particularly tourism with 72.3 million visitors in 2024 and €175 billion in revenue. Following a tariff announcement on Canada, road trips from Canada dropped 24% in February compared to the previous year. The U.S. has seen a 25% surcharge on most exports from Canada and Mexico, contributing over 50% of U.S. visitors last year. China, with 1.62 million visitors and a 50% growth, faces a 34% tariff. India's visits to the U.S., which increased by 24.3% in 2024, and European countries like Germany and France, with 1.99 and 1.70 million travelers respectively, face a 20% tariff. The UK, with 4.03 million tourists to the U.S., faces only a 10% tariff and thus far refrains from retaliation.

💸 On April 4, 2025, the article discusses the importance of understanding the different tax regimes for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, specifically the direct estimation method for personal income tax (IRPF) calculation in Spain. Direct estimation assesses taxable income by subtracting deductible expenses from computable income. There are two types: simplified (for those with annual business turnover below €600,000 and not opting out) and normal (when turnover exceeds €600,000). Requirements include the type of economic activity, annual income limits, exclusion of certain activities, and not exceeding other fiscal thresholds. The net performance is calculated by deducting provisions and difficult-to-justify expenses up to 5% or €2,000. Fiscal management software can automate tax declarations and facilitate accounting tasks for those under the direct estimation regime.

📌 In Santa Cruz de Tenerife province, hospitality employers and unions remain at odds over labor and economic conditions, continuing the Easter Week strike discussions. The sector employs 76,821 people: 33,633 in accommodation services and 43,188 in food and beverage services, according to Q4 2024 data from Istac. Manuel Fitas of Sindicalistas de Base states this is the third well-intentioned failure by the Canarias Government and insists the strike won’t be called off without an agreement on all terms. Ashotel and AERO propose linking wage increases to productivity and improved working conditions, but unions highlight issues like work overload and work-life balance, demanding shifts allowing for family life, eliminating split shifts, excessive work, and ensuring staff levels meet service needs without compromising workplace safety and health. They also call for replacing sick leave, aligning job categories with actual duties, and regulating temporary employment agency contracts. A salary review could avert the strike if employers accept the pre-warning points, Fitas warns. The employers seek to address economic aspects and daily operational challenges, suggesting a negotiation table for the collective agreement, with further talks planned next week.

🚀 Russian airlines are facing a deep crisis due to Western sanctions, needing to dispose of at least 200 passenger aircraft, mostly from Airbus and Boeing. Around 30% of Russia's approximately 700 Western-made aircraft will be dismantled, as sanctions from the Ukraine invasion block importation of parts for repairs and maintenance. Only 10% of flights by Russian companies use locally made planes, with hopes pinned on the MS-21 and SJ-100 models, none of which have been received by airlines yet.

🛂 ETIAS border control equipment has been unused in Spain for over a year, with operational delays now extending to late 2026. Meanwhile, the UK, as of Wednesday, requires non-national travelers to obtain electronic authorization. Tourists complete an online process, paying 12 euros, typically receiving permission within two days, then presenting it at borders. The UK's identical model to the EU's had its price pre-launch increased to 19 euros. Travelers face issues not at the border but with poorly trained transport operators who may wrongly deny entry to those without the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), valid for two years upon issuance.

📌 Jaime Concheiro, partner at CCS Abogados, addresses key queries from hoteliers about the collective lawsuit against Booking during Updating Hotelero 2025, an event organized by tourism news outlet HOSTELTUR. The video clarifies the lawsuit's connection to the CNMC fine and options for hoteliers seeking to sue Booking for damages due to parity clauses.

🏡 Starting April 3, new tourist apartment openings in Spain require three-fifths support from property owners for approval. The Organic Law 1/2025 amends the 1960 Horizontal Property Law, empowering communities to approve, limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Pre-existing tourist apartments can continue under old regulations. Also, a digital registration for legal compliance is underway, with 18,104 applications since January; 49% approved, 11% rejected. The measure aims to reduce housing pressure and ensure more long-term residential rentals.

🧙 In Spain, a scandal involving Begoña Gómez, Air Europa, the Public Prosecutor's Office, Aldama, and even the Moncloa has emerged, reflecting a normalization of corruption in the country. Despite the gravity of the allegations, life continues as usual with no significant public outrage or accountability, suggesting a deep-rooted acceptance of corruption in the tourism sector and beyond. The case highlights how controlling judges and prosecutors is seen as vital for maintaining impunity in the face of widespread corruption.

🎓 On April 2, 2025, it was highlighted that outdoor training, a technique used by HR departments to boost productivity and well-being, has become increasingly popular for talent retention plans. Unlike team building, outdoor training focuses on experiential games in nature to enhance leadership, communication, and resilience. Key benefits include improved teamwork, adaptability, creativity, interpersonal relationships, and corporate culture. The practice also impacts organizational culture by revealing hidden dynamics and areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing team performance indicators. Integrating digital tools such as Zucchetti HR software can help measure the effectiveness of outdoor training activities and contribute to the strategic development of talent within a company.