German tax officials search Ryanair

ryanair12Ryanair offices at six German airports were raided by police on Wednesday as part of an investigation into tax evasion and unfair working practices.

Staff rooms at airports in Berlin, Cologne-Bonn, Frankfurt-Hahn, Bremen, Baden-Baden and Weeze were targeted, according to German media. Computers and iPads were seized along with personal documents of pilots.

Thousands of stray animals sheltered in Spain

catsStrayAs many as 130,000 abandoned cats and dogs were rescued in Spain during the course of 2015.

A study by campaigning and care group Fundación Affinity said that the figure is still “very high” while reporting that numbers have been falling in recent years.

Islamic State has 'dedicated group' for terrorist attacks in Spain

isisThe Islamic State terrorist organisation has a dedicated group that is planning attacks in the Al Andalus territory, specifically in Spain although Portugal is in the targeted area.

A statement posted on the Internet by the Islamic State in August 2015 showed the Iberian territory that the terrorist group wants to see occupied as a caliphate by 2020. (see below)

Expats in Spain seek dual citizenship

passportBritish expats in Spain have launched an appeal to the Spanish government for dual nationality.

A petition is asking for dual status for British expats who have lived in Spain for at least ten years.

Germany sees migrant numbers decline steeply

germanyRefugee numbers reaching Germany fell sharply in June, dipping below 5,000 for the entire month.

The total number arriving in Germany during the first six months of this year dwindled to 211,000. This was lower than the numbers reaching Germany during many months in 2015.

Algarve’s 'nature tourism' sector is catching on

guadianaNetworking, skills, investment, innovation and strategy were the key themes at the 'Tourism Opportunities in Low Density Areas’ seminar organised by Odiana, the lower Guadiana developemnt association, where nature tourism clearly was the answer.

The October to May period is the ideal time for many non-'sun and sand' holidays and the delegates discussed low density tourism strategies, the funds available and opportunities for nature tourism to fill in the winter and early spring gap left when beach holiday families depart after the summer season.

Algarve hoteliers enjoy the best June in 15 years

BeachMalhaoJune’s tourism figures show the best year since well before recession, austerity and unemployment ravaged the tourism sector and left many businesses bankrupt, many hotels mothballed and the sector indebted and close to despair.

According to data released today by the Association of Hotels and Resorts in the Algarve (AHETA), the occupancy rate for the region’s registered businesses last month was 81.8%: the June 2001 figure was a shade higher at 82.1%, cause for celebration as the Algarve not only has proved itself a safe destination, it again has become hugely popular.

Court official arrested for selling information

euromillions2An official at Loulé court has been arrested for taking money in exchange for information about seized properties.

As part of the same Judicial Police investigation, a group of three men were arrested for financial crimes involving vehicle loans.