Airbnb is a popular online platform for holidaymakers to book accommodation for their getaways. It allows people, also known as hosts, to list their properties on the website for others to rent. In 2024, Airbnb had around 275 million users, and today it connects hosts and travellers in more than 220 countries, including some of the nation’s favourite holiday spots.

However, Airbnb was recently fined by a popular destination for breaching consumer regulations.

Spain, which welcomed 94million visitors in 2024, has fined Airbnb 64million euros, equivalent to approximately £56million. The fine handed by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda comes as advertisements for unlicensed accommodation were found on the platform.

The ruling is final and exhausts all administrative channels, after the appeal lodged with the Minister of Consumer Affairs has been resolved, reports Majorca Daily Bulletin.

For Airbnb to rectify the breaches, the company also has to remove the illegal content published and make the imposed fine public. More than 65,122 advertisements found on Airbnb consisted of unfair and commercial practices towards both consumers and users.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry highlighted that advertisements for unlicensed tourist accommodations are illegal and that most regional regulations require ads to show a registration number.

According to the department, the £56 million fine is equivalent to “six times the illegal profit” made by Airbnb as a result of the ads that used false or incorrect licences or registration numbers, and inacurrate information on the legal status of hosts.

Two additional minor infringements were also identified, which carry a punishable fine of 10,000 euros (approximately £8,800). According to the ministry, a breach of the regime and obligations of distance contracts was committed as information on the legal nature of the host was excluded.

Obstruction or refusal to provide information during the investigation also resulted in a punishment as Airbnb did not respoind ot the Consumer Affairs Department’s requests.