A doubling of proceedings against illegal holiday rentals last year

Last year's inspection campaign focused on illegal offer, which wasn't confined to holiday rentals as it also covered non-regulated all-inclusive. Furthermore, inspectors were checking that all-inclusive hotels were meeting required standards and adhering to parameters for tourist tax self-assessment.

Gijón believed that the results from the inspections were "ridiculous". Given that there are, he said, some 100,000 non-regulated places, there should be more inspectors. Why aren't there? He also said that the number of proceedings, most of which have yet to be completed, don't necessarily mean that they will all result in penalties.

The inspections will increase this year, says the tourism ministry. And once the holiday rentals' legislation is in place, the fines will increase as well. The ministry anticipates there being fines' revenue (for all types of infraction, so not just those for rental) of almost 7.3 million euros, roughly ten times as much as last year.

With regard to the number of inspections made last year, it might be noted that for a time the inspectors were staying in the office and not making visits because they were in dispute with the ministry over driving expenses.