Spain fines Airbnb millions for unlicensed rentals, Aloft energizes Shanghai Hongqiao and more...

Spain fines Airbnb millions for unlicensed rentals
Friday, 19th December 2025

Spain’s government has fined Airbnb 64 million euros ($75 million) for advertising unlicensed tourist rentals, officials said Monday.

The consumer rights ministry said the rentals didn’t include license numbers - a requirement in many regions in Spain - or listed license numbers that didn’t match what authorities had. Other had incorrect information about hosts, it said >>

Aloft energizes Shanghai Hongqiao Transport Hub
19 Dec 2025 : Aloft Hotels announced the opening of Aloft Shanghai Hongqiao, nestled in the core of the West Hongqiao Business District, the new hotel neighbors the National Exhibition and Convention Center and the Hongqiao transportation hub >>

Roatán joins Meliá’s map in the Honduran Caribbean
19 Dec 2025 : A new family-friendly paradise under the Sol by Meliá brand is set to open this December, nestled beside the awe-inspiring Mesoamerican Reef System >>

IHG expands Maldivian footprint with Vignette Collection
19 Dec 2025 : IHG announces the signing of Vaagali Maldives, Vignette Collection with partner Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Gateway Maldives Pvt Ltd, a leading tourism development company in the Maldives >>

Booking.com is obligated to compensate hotels, court says
18 Dec 2025 : The Berlin II Regional Court ruled in favor of 1,288 hotels seeking a declaratory judgment that Booking.com and its German subsidiary, are jointly and severally liable to compensate for damages. >>

HIGHLIGHT ARTICLE

An 'Above and Beyond' Strategy Doesn’t Work
Friday, 19th December 2025

This is a story about a disagreement I had with a client. I should mention, this was a friendly disagreement and his idea of an amazing experience was to go above and beyond, always exceeding the customer’s expectations >>

Barry Diller: On truth, End of Google Search and Travel’s Endurance
I’ve long been a fan of Barry Diller, so when he walked onto the Phocuswright Centre Stage in San Diego, 20 years after his last appearance, I was all agog with anticipation – as were the delegates in the room >>

Global eNewsletter of December 18, 2025
Berlin Court: Booking.com is obligated to compensate hotels for damages, Hard Rock Cafe opens in Hua Hin and more... >>