"The Spanish government announced on Monday that it has fined the online rentals giant 64 million euros ($75 million) for advertising unlicensed rental listings in the country. This decision is the latest in several months of back-and-forths, as the government previously ordered Airbnb to remove more than 120,000 listings it identified as unlicensed. While Spain's Consumer Affairs Ministry said the fine was a final decision and couldn't be appealed, San Francisco-based Airbnb is reportedly planning to challenge it in court."
"Airbnb issued a statement to several news organizations indicating that it has been working with the Spanish government since short-term rental rules changed in July to enforce a new registration system. On its website, Airbnb also has a lengthy explanation about " responsible hosting " in Spain. "Airbnb is confident that the ministry actions are contrary to applicable regulations in Spain and we intend to challenge this fine in court," a company spokesperson said in a statement published by Reuters."
Spain imposed a €64 million fine on Airbnb for advertising unlicensed rental listings after ordering removal of more than 120,000 such listings. The Consumer Affairs Ministry described the fine as final and not subject to appeal, while Airbnb says it will challenge the action in court. Spain recorded 94 million foreign visitors last year, exacerbating housing pressure as private tourist accommodations have contributed to a housing crisis and spurred anti-tourism protests. Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy warned that short-term rental business models displace families, and Airbnb says it has worked with authorities and promotes responsible hosting.
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