MADRID, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry has fined vacation rental firm Airbnb ABNB.O 64 million euros ($75 million) for advertising unlicensed tourist accommodations, it said on Monday in a statement.
The fine comes after the firm in July withdrew 65,000 listings the ministry said violated its rules.
Airbnb did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The fine can be appealed in court.
Spain’s leftist government, as well as some city councils and regional authorities, have been cracking down on tourism rentals via sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com BKNG.O, which many in Spain blame for creating excess tourism and driving up housing costs.
($1 = 0.8517 euros)

ABNB

Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry has fined Airbnb $75 million for advertising unlicensed tourist accommodations. The fine follows Airbnb's withdrawal of 65,000 listings in July that violated regulations. The fine can be appealed in court. Spain's government and local authorities are cracking down on tourism rentals, blaming them for excess tourism and rising housing costs.

Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for listings of unlicensed rentals