Booking.com has removed 4,093 tourist accommodation listings in Spain, most of which were in the Canary Islands, following a request from the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda. The ministry reported the presence of illegal listings on the platform and urged their removal.
In addition to the Canary Islands, the US-based company also withdrew listings in Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, Navarre, La Rioja and Castile-La Mancha.
In a statement, the ministry led by Pablo Bustinduy praised the company’s cooperation following the request to ensure that the listings comply with current legislation.
Furthermore, the minister condemned the “indiscriminate proliferation” of such accommodation as a contributing factor to the “difficulties” in accessing housing in Spain, particularly in areas with a high influx of tourists.
This Consumer Protection action follows last week’s decision by the Madrid High Court (TSJM), which dismissed Airbnb’s appeal and upheld the removal of 5,800 listings from the platform.
In response, Airbnb described the court’s ruling as a “preliminary decision” that “does not address the merits of the case.” In statements to Europa Press, the company argued that the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda’s actions contravene applicable Spanish regulations.
In May, the Consumer Ministry called on the company to block nearly 66,000 illegal tourist accommodation listings. This latest removal is the first of three such requests.
Violations of both platforms, according to Consumer Affairs
Both the illegal listings removed by Booking.com and those reported to Airbnb fall under one of three possible violations, according to Pablo Bustinduy’s ministry.
Firstly, the listings lack the required licence or registration number, as mandated by various regional regulations – this being the most common breach found.
Secondly, the listings fail to specify the legal status of the landlords, leaving it unclear whether they are professionals or private individuals – a key factor in determining whether the contracting party is protected as a consumer.
Thirdly, some listings display licence numbers that do not match those issued by the authorities, a practice that “may mislead or deceive” consumers.
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