Latest news with #Mallorca
The Independent
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Judge rejects Airbnb's appeal in move that could change Spanish tourism forever
A Spanish court has upheld an order for Airbnb to block nearly 66,000 rental listings across the country, rejecting an appeal from the online platform. The ruling reinforces the government's stance that these short-term rentals violate local regulations and contribute to Spain 's escalating housing crisis, particularly as the nation experiences record tourist numbers. The Consumer Rights Ministry had previously flagged the listings for violations, issuing an order last month for Airbnb to remove 65,935 properties. Of these, 5,800 were identified for immediate takedown. An Airbnb spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment on the Madrid 's High Court 's decision. The ministry has said the listings it flagged did not include their license number or specify whether the owner was an individual or a company. It said others listed numbers that didn't match what authorities had. Last month, Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told The Associated Press that the tourism sector could not "jeopardise the constitutional rights of the Spanish people.' This included their right to housing and well-being. Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister, said in a separate interview that the government had to tackle the unwanted side effects of mass tourism. It comes following protests across Spain and popular European hotspots. Earlier this month, protesters used water guns against unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca as demonstrators marched to demand a rethink of an economic model they believe is fuelling a housing crunch and erasing the character of their hometowns. The marches were part of the first coordinated effort by activists concerned with the ills of overtourism across southern Europe's top destinations. While several thousands rallied in Mallorca in the biggest gathering of the day, hundreds more gathered in other Spanish cities, as well as in Venice, Italy, and Portugal's capital, Lisbon. 'The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,' Andreu Martínez said in Barcelona with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor café. 'Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.' Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant, is one of a growing number of residents who are convinced that tourism has gone too far in the city of 1.7 million people. Barcelona hosted 15.5 million visitors last year eager to see Antoni Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade. Martínez says his rent has risen over 30 per cent as more apartments in his neighborhood are rented to tourists for short-term stays. He said there is a knock-on effect of traditional stores being replaced by businesses catering to tourists, like souvenir shops, burger joints and 'bubble tea' spots. 'Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming to an end," he said. "We are being pushed out systematically.'
Irish Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
What will €200,000 buy in Sicily, Corfu, France, Mallorca and Cavan?
Spain: Mallorca This studio apartment overlooks one of the seven pools within this low-rise development in the southeastern resort of Cala Egos, a small resort with sandy coves and a marina. Extending to 40sq m (430sq ft), it is a decent size and the next owner might consider creating broken-plan layout for the space which also has a semi-shaded balcony. Price: €199,000. Agent: Best d'Or Estates 37 Heatherfield, Rakeevan, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan Ireland: Co Cavan Built about 20 years ago in a small estate to the east of Bailieborough , this three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi-D would likely suit families with children of school-going age as there are four national schools and a secondary school in the town. The house needs some upgrading, including flooring throughout. Extending to 88sq m (947sq ft), it has an interconnecting livingroom and kitchen and a C2 Ber. Price: €200,000. Agent: Peter Murtagh Auctioneers Sicily: San Mauro Castelverde Italy: Sicily On the north side of the island in the municipality of San Mauro Castelverde, this two-bedroom, one bathroom apartment is set within a large villa. Extending to 109sq m (1173sq ft) with a private terrace within shared grounds, it is 1km from the sea. The nearest resort, Cefalù, is 17km away, while the nearest town is Finale di Pollina. Price: €195,000. Agent: Engel & Voelkers [ New Donabate homes minutes from the beach from €465,000 Opens in new window ] Corfu: Acharavi, Thinali Corfu: Stroggili In the cooling hills above the resort of Acharavi is the ancient village of Stroggili and this two-storey, one-bedroom stone house which dates from the 1880s. Smartly appointed, it extends to 65sq m (699sq ft) with 18.5sq m (199sq ft) of roof terrace and sea views from the first-floor room, currently used as the bedroom. It has its own grounds and is about a 10-minute drive to the beach. Price: €195,000. Agent: Chase Real Estate READ MORE France: Callian, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur France: Callian Situated within a gated domain, close to the village of Callian, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom, ground floor, own door apartment extends to 47sq m (505sq ft). It has a good-size open-plan kitchen/livingroom, opening to a large and partially shaded west-facing private terrace of 30sq m (322sq ft). It includes a parking space and access to two large swimming pools within the complex. Price: €205,000. Agent: Leggett
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Michelle Obama enjoys intimate lunch with longtime male friend as she jets off on lavish Spain getaway WITHOUT Barack
Michelle Obama and her daughters were pictured enjoying lunch at an exclusive club on the idyllic Spanish island of Mallorca. In photos obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail, the former first lady, 61, kept a low profile in large, stylish sunglasses and a multi-colored print dress, while dining at The Lobster Club in Puerto Portals. Michelle, 61, was joined by James Costos, 62, former US ambassador to Spain and his partner Michael Smith, 62, the Obamas' longtime interior designer and former White House decorator‑in‑chief. Aspiring filmmaker Malia, 26, looked chic in a black polka dot halter neck crop top and a black mini skirt and flashed her toned stomach. Younger sister Sasha, 24, flaunted her effortlessly style in an oversized off the shoulder white tee and a long pleated brown skirt. Notably not in attendance: former President Barack Obama. Michael and James have been longtime friends of the Obamas and hosted the family many times at their Rancho Mirage home in Palm Springs, California. 'When they were here, it occurred to me that more than 50 years ago JFK had stayed just down the road at Bing Crosby's home,' Michael told Architectural Digest in 2017. 'The President and Mrs Obama basically woke up in the morning to the same view of the valley. There was something lovely about that thought. 'It made me contemplate all the change that has taken place in those decades, contrasting with the timelessness of this beautiful desert landscape.' This group outing comes amid ongoing rumors about the state of Michelle and Barack's marriage status over the last several months. Michelle dismissed speculation about her marriage and addressed the rumors head on during a podcast episode of The Diary of a CEO in May. During the episode, she told the hosts, 'If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it.' Michelle also praised her husband on her latest podcast episode as a 'tremendous father.' She said that even when Barack was president, he left the job at the door whenever he talked to his daughters to help cultivate their formative years. Rumors surrounding the Obama's relationship began when Michelle skipped several high-profile events, including Donald Trump's inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter's funeral. Michelle's lunch trip comes just days after she appeared on Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang's Las Culturistas podcast where she made it clear she doesn't like being referred to as 'Mrs. Obama'. During their sit-down, Matt revealed that before cameras started rolling, Michelle had asked him not to call her 'Mrs. Obama.' 'Earlier I was like, "Thank you so much, Mrs. Obama," and you said, "Michelle,"' Rogers said. 'I did say that,' Michelle responded with a laugh, before explaining why she likes to avoid the name. 'We cannot have a real conversation if you're saying, "Mrs Obama," that's too many syllables,' the former first lady protested. Matt then asked if she is usually quick to 'put down that shield for people,' and Michelle claimed that she's generally tries to appear less intimidating. 'I was trying to do that when I was first lady because I just think... I am not that position. I am Michelle,' she explained. 'I'm always trying to break down that wall to say, "We're just all here,"' she continued. 'And the first thing to do is like, let's drop that title, that's a little heavy.' 'I know what we call her - your Highness,' her brother and podcast co-host Craig quipped. 'Well, it's great to be on a first name basis,' Matt joked.
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Parma appoint Arsenal's Cuesta as youngest coach in Serie A history
ROME, June 20 — Parma made 29-year-old Carlos Cuesta the youngest head coach in the history of Serie A yesterday when they hired the Spaniard to replace Cristian Chivu. 'Parma Calcio are delighted to announce that, as of 1 July, Carlos Cuesta will become manager of the Men's First Team,' the club announced on their website adding that the coach had signed a two-year contract. Cuesta arrives from Arsenal, where he had worked as an assistant to Mikel Arteta since 2000. Before that he spent two years in Italy as a youth coach at Juventus. Cuesta, a native of Mallorca who turns 30 in July, becomes the youngest current coach in any of the 'Big Five' European leagues. Parma returned to Serie A and were struggling in 18th place when Chivu was appointed in February, after seven years coaching Inter Milan youth teams. In 13 matches in his first senior head coaching job, the Romanian won three, lost three and drew even to guide the club to 16th and Serie A survival. Chivu left after the season to take over at Inter, where he also spent six seasons as a player. Cuesta was reportedly preferred to Italians Daniele De Rossi, Alberto Gilardino, and Paolo Vanoli. The Serie A season does not start until August 23, but Cuesta is the ninth new coach appointed this summer. Two more of the 20 clubs have unfilled vacancies. — AFP
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Popular money-saving travel ‘hack' backfires on frazzled plane passengers: ‘We were lied to at the gate'
A common hack to save money on Ryanair backfired on a couple. Scott McCormick and his girlfriend, Helena Boshwick, both 33, were set to fly from Birmingham Airport in the UK to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. In an attempt to save money, the couple decided not to pay to reserve seats on the flight. 'Me and my partner thought it's not that much of a problem if we're not sitting together for a two-hour flight, we're adults here,' McCormick, a gym owner, told Kennedy News. They were first in line to board when a staff member asked them to step aside as the rest of the passengers boarded. 'That moment was a red flag, I thought, 'there's something happening here,'' McCormick shared. 'I asked her to tell us what is going to happen, and she said no.' After everyone else was on the plane, the Ryanair staff member allegedly told them that the flight was full and there was only one seat left. McCormick admitted that the two of them had a 'meltdown' since they wanted to travel together — but they were told they were in this position because they 'hadn't reserved a seat.' 'There was no compassion or care whatsoever. After going back and forth, we said we're not going to take separate flights and be in separate countries for hours,' he said. After arguing with staff, the couple were reportedly told they could both get on the next flight and get refunded for both tickets. But when they went to the check-in desk again, they were informed they would still have to pay for one of the tickets — and they claimed a refund was never issued. 'We went down to ticket sales and they said we still have to pay for one ticket, only one is reimbursed. One of the seats was put down as a cancelled booking and the other was a missed flight so we'd still have to pay for one seat and be reimbursed for the other,' McCormick said. 'That's the biggest part of the [issue], we were just lied to at the gate but then we still sold us a seat and we still have seen no sign of reimbursement.'The couple reportedly had to spend even more money on the new ticket and waited for four hours for the next flight, and McCormick claimed it felt like 'discrimination.' 'Ryanair should have asked all passengers if anyone would like to volunteer their seats,' he said. '…how do they pick out these people, is it because we're young and we have no kids, so there's just two of us, is it to do with something we don't see or understand?' He said he will avoid flying Ryanair in the future due to a lack of care and empathy. 'You can be bawling your eyes out and they just don't care, they're deadpan.' While some people on social media believed they were singled out for not reserving seats — debunking the so-called hack that doing so will result in lower airfare — Ryanair explained that it was because the plane itself was switched to one with fewer seats. 'This flight from Birmingham to Palma de Mallorca (1 May) was not 'overbooked' – it was scheduled to operate on a 737-8200 (197 seats) but for operational reasons had to be swapped to a 737-800 aircraft (189 seats),' the airline said. 'As a result, one passenger was unable to travel on this flight and was reaccommodated onto the next available flight to Palma de Mallorca,' said a Ryanair spokesperson. The airline's rep noted that McCormick is not eligible for a refund since he was reaccommodated onto the next available flight. 'Mr. McCormick's travel companion was not refused boarding but chose not to board and travel on this flight from Birmingham to Palma de Mallorca and was required to pay a missed departure fee to be booked onto the next available flight.'
