Airbnb fined 64 million euros in Spain for illegal advertising

Madrid, December 15 - The Spanish government has fined Airbnb 64 million euros for advertising unlicensed accommodation in places where it is prohibited. The government's move comes at a time when many locals are struggling to find affordable housing, the BBC reports.

Airbnb must now remove ads promoting unlicensed properties. Although the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said the fine could not be appealed, Airbnb said it intended to defend itself in court.

"Thousands of families are living in precarious conditions due to the housing crisis, while some have become rich thanks to economic models that are driving people out of their homes," said Spanish Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy. "No company in Spain, no matter how big or powerful, is above the law," he added.

Airbnb, however, said it was "convinced that the actions of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs are contrary to the regulations in force in Spain".

Spain welcomed a record 94 million visitors in 2024, making it the second most popular tourist destination in the world after France. This record could be broken this year, writes AFP.

Although tourism is the driving force of the country's economy, many Spaniards complain about the overloaded infrastructure, the disappearance of traditional shops that are replacing tourist boutiques, and especially about skyrocketing rents. Homeowners prefer to rent out short-term to tourists through Airbnb or Booking.com, because they are significantly more profitable.

Czech press agency

WT.24