Jurídicos y Administrativos

🏖 Viajes Marsans, a brand known for its presence in the Spanish tourism market, is allegedly returning after nearly 15 years since its bankruptcy. A statement claims they're embarking on a new phase emphasizing digitalization and innovation. Skepticism arises as industry experts suggest the relaunch could be a scam, citing a basic website with technical issues and scant content. Marsans' collapse in 2020 resulted in a €373 million deficit and over 11,000 creditors.

🛫 Airlines connecting the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla with the Spanish mainland and operating domestic flights threaten route abandonment or frequency reduction due to unpaid government debts totaling €810 million as of January 2025 for resident subsidies of 75% on ticket prices. The concern escalates with a potential debt of €1.5 billion forecasted for 2025 amid extended 2023 State Budgets. The government's allocated €560.81 million in 2023 plus an additional €170 million from the Contingency Fund fell short as air connectivity with the Canaries and Balearics increased by nearly 18% and 13% respectively in 2024 compared to 2019. This financial strain risks the viability of routes and economic development, impacting travel agencies awaiting subsidized ticket management fees.

🛈 Agustín Almodóbar, the Popular Party's Tourism spokesperson in the Senate, warns about the "ignorance, passivity, and absolute incompetence" of Minister Bustinduy and the lack of influence and leadership of Minister Hereu, endangering the survival of the Imserso tourism program. Concerns arise in the tourism sector due to no improvements or modernization efforts for senior travel programs after recent meetings. Almodóbar calls for urgent action as contracting conditions for lodging must be reviewed; otherwise, no hotels will participate next season, leading to closures and unemployment for thousands. He requests an urgent briefing from Imserso's General Director, María Teresa Sancho, on new tender progress and changes, while pressing the Executive to disclose decisions on the new specifications, as the tender for the 2025/2026 season is already delayed.

👨 Imserso faces the challenge of publishing new tourism program tender documents within the next few weeks, a prerequisite for the public tender. General Director María Teresa Sancho promised earlier this year they would be ready soon. Experts suggest publication should occur by mid-April to avoid past delays. After the September 2024 break with Ávoris, there's a typical 30-day window for proposals, indicating a possible public contest in May. Hotels currently earn €25-26 per night versus a €34 real cost, while agencies make €14.50 per sold seat.

✈ Easyjet pilot Paul Elsworth, flying an A320 from Manchester to Hurghada, Egypt, was suspended after bringing the aircraft within 800 feet (240 meters) of a mountain on February 2. His immediate response to the cockpit alarms averted a collision. The plane was 3,100 feet (950 meters) above the 2,329 feet (700 meters) mountain, instead of the regular 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). Investigation launched; Elsworth temporarily relieved of duties; passengers likely unaware of the incident's severity; his son is a British Airways pilot.

💰 Sandra Ortega, daughter of Amancio Ortega, won a legal battle against EBN Banco de Negocios, which demanded over 1.5 million euros from her after Room Mate's bankruptcy. The Madrid Court (Juzgado de Primera Instancia número 46) ruled she didn't authorize the guarantee by Rosp Corunna for Kike Sarasola's hotel chain. Financial entities claim around 150 million euros for "comfort letters" breaches, but evidence and a handwriting analysis confirmed Ortega's non-consent. EBN can appeal to the Audiencia Provincial de Madrid, yet the current ruling supports Ortega, who denies authorizing the guarantees and blames her former asset manager.

✈ Vueling, an IAG airline, challenges a €39.2 million fine imposed by the Spanish government for charging for hand luggage. On January 29, they filed an appeal and a precautionary measure to suspend the fine with the National High Court, expecting a resolution by mid-2025 and a potential court date in 2026. Vueling disputes the decision based on European regulations that allow pricing freedom. Ryanair was fined €107.7 million, Easyjet €29 million, Volotea €1.189 million, and Norwegian €1.610 million, totaling €179 million for five low-cost carriers.

🛫 The major aviation sector trial involves aircraft leasing companies based in Ireland and insurers. Sparked by the 2022 Ukraine war, Western sanctions forced lessors to cancel contracts with Russian airlines, affecting approximately 400 planes valued at $10 billion. Russia retained the planes, prompting lessors to seek insurance claims. Insurers, including Lloyd’s, Fidelis, AIG, and Chubb, contest coverage terms. The dispute is now before Dublin judges, with future contracts likely to address war conflict and increase policy costs.

🏨 In the Comunidad Valenciana, the tourism sector is experiencing issues due to a new system imposed by the Ministry of the Interior that complicates hotel operations. Hosbec, led by president Fede Fuster, criticizes the logistical challenge of the system, which has been problematic since its implementation, including a collapse on December 2. The double communication requirement for reservations is a particular issue, with hotels having to report at both booking and guest arrival times. Three months after the decree's enforcement, the Ministerial Order detailing its application remains unpublished, leading to uncertainty and potential short-term changes. Hosbec demands urgent corrective measures, suggesting that reporting should be limited to client registration using ID documents.

💰 Facua-Consumidores en Acción launched a campaign targeting Ryanair for alleged "massive frauds" related to cancellations, delays, and hand luggage surcharges. The initiative followed a meeting with Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs, aimed at informing passengers about their rights. Facua plans to spread the word via social media and 250,000 emails. A historic fine was imposed by Spain's Ministry in May 2024, penalizing low-cost airlines including Ryanair with €179 million; Ryanair's share was €107 million. Passengers can claim compensation of €250-€600 for disruptions.