Now Barcelona could kick Airbnb out of city

BARCELONA’S council may ban the online hospitality site Airbnb after accusing a company executive of illegally listing a sub-let flat.

Kay Kuehne, at the time Airbnb’s regional manager in Latin America, has been accused of listing a flat he rented without a tourism licence.

“We see this as a complete swindle,” said Janet Sanz, Barcelona’s planning chief. Ms Sanz said that a €600,000 fine previously imposed on Airbnb would be confirmed, despite the company’s legal challenge against it, with more sanctions to follow, possibly including a ban from Barcelona altogether. “We will take this to the bitter end by using all the authority we have at our disposal.”

Mr Kuehne is said to have told the council: “I have not worked for Airbnb for a long time. I regret you using my case to attack people who use the platform properly.”