Barcelona to fine Airbnb, HomeAway 600,000 euros each

MADRID: Barcelona city hall said Thursday it would fine home rental websites Airbnb and rival HomeAway 600,000 euros (Dh2.33 million; $635,000) each for marketing lodgings that lacked permits to host tourists.

In a statement, Barcelona said it had initiated proceedings “that will result in 600,000-euro fines for each of them for the repeat offence of advertising tourist lodgings online” without authorisation.

The city hall led by mayor Ada Colau, a former anti-eviction activist, is working to curb a boom in visitor numbers it fears could drive out poor residents and spoil the charm of Barcelona. (AFP)