Airbnb, seemingly prepared for a legal battle over Balearic legislation. | Archive

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Airbnb yesterday criticised the new Balearic holiday rentals' legislation, saying that it does more to protect the interests of the hoteliers while damaging the interests of the residential holiday sector.

In an official statement, Airbnb said that it is planning to take the matter up with Brussels and the European Union because it restricts the free market for middle-class families to choose where they stay and when.

The organisation added that the new law will hurt areas not usually associated with tourism but enjoy extra revenue and employment opportunities from holiday lets and rentals. As far as Airbnb is concerned, the law is not clear and will be nearly impossible to apply effectively, causing more confusion in the sector.

Airbnb suggested that the Balearic government studies the model which has been adopted in Greece. Apparently it is simple, clear and works. Airbnb continued by saying that a number of rules and regulations set out by the European Commission have been ignored in the drawing up of the new law and that this is another issue which will raised in Brussels.