Regulatory and Legal Affairs

💸 Barcelona is intensifying efforts to combat overtourism. Starting this year, the tourist tax will be €3.40 per night in 4-star establishments and €2 in other lodging types. By 2029, this tax will reach €8 per night. Additionally, cruise passengers stopping for less than 24 hours in the Catalan region will face a €12 fee, up from €7. These measures aim to preserve local ecosystems and improve resident quality of life.

💰 Jul 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped its lawsuit against the $570 million merger of American Express Global Business Travel and CWT. The merger, set to close in Q3, will create a $45.5 billion industry leader, doubling BCD Travel's $23 billion sales. Despite the UK’s CMA approval, antitrust concerns persist about price increases and reduced innovation. Amex GBT argues that competition remains strong from tech-driven and traditional agencies. Independent companies criticize the merger’s potential oligopolistic effects.

🛫 Jul 31, 2025: Global business travel spending expected to reach $1.57 trillion, growing at 6.6% in 2025 amidst trade tensions and economic uncertainty. By 2029, spending should surpass $2 trillion. The U.S. leads with $395.4 billion, trailed by China at $373.1 billion. Fast growth seen in India, South Korea, and Turkey, while Spain and the Netherlands lag. Average trip spending hits $1,128. Payment trends show 69% corporate card access, 64% mobile wallet use, especially in Asia Pacific.

🛂 Airlines in Europe, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, Vueling, and Transavia, have varying cabin baggage policies, leading to charges up to €50. The European Parliament's 2023 resolution and the French DGAC support standard cabin baggage as a transport right but allow airlines to define 'standard'. In contrast, US airlines adopt a common policy allowing 56 x 35 x 23 cm baggage. Calls for European harmonization aim to ensure transparency and consistency.