Spain is cracking down on Airbnb listings, initiating the removal of nearly 66,000 properties that allegedly violate housing regulations, amidst a rise in protests against over-tourism ahead of the summer season.
Spain Enforces Strict Regulations on Airbnb Amidst Growing Tourism Unrest
Spain Enforces Strict Regulations on Airbnb Amidst Growing Tourism Unrest
As protests against over-tourism ramp up, Spain’s government takes action to regulate Airbnb properties.
In response to mounting public pressure, the Spanish government has called for Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 rental listings that are believed to breach tourist accommodation regulations. This move comes after thousands demonstrated in the Canary Islands, expressing their discontent with the over-tourism that many blame for exacerbating local housing shortages. Minister of Social Rights, Pablo Bustinduy, stated the properties had violated laws meant to govern housing for tourists, confirming that a recent Madrid court ruling mandates the immediate withdrawal of around 5,800 listings.
The implicated properties span across several regions, including Madrid, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands. Bustinduy’s department seeks additional court rulings regarding the other approximately 60,000 properties flagged for non-compliance. He characterized the court ruling as a significant victory for housing rights, emphasizing the need for economic interests to not overshadow housing needs, and asserting that no enterprise is above the law.
In recent months, rising rental prices have made housing the primary concern for many Spaniards, especially in metropolitan areas. The sharp increase in short-term rentals has been cited as a key contributor, reducing availability for local residents. As Spain anticipates an influx of about 94 million foreign tourists in 2024, concerns about the impact of tourism are becoming increasingly pronounced.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged the imbalance, asserting earlier this year that Spain has "too many Airbnbs and not enough homes," pledging to control tourism-related property use. Local governments are also responding: for instance, Barcelona plans to phase out its 10,000 short-term rentals by 2028.
While Airbnb prepares to appeal against the court ruling, the platform argues that the responsibility regarding compliance lies with the property hosts, not the company itself. They stress that housing issues in Spain stem from a deficit of available units rather than short-term rentals.
With Spain seeing over a hundred million tourists annually, tensions over tourism are likely to continue. Recent protests across the Canary Islands under the banner "Canaries have a limit" indicate rising discontent, with future demonstrations, such as a scheduled protest by the group Menys Turisme, Més Vida in Majorca, expected to draw attention to the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism.
The implicated properties span across several regions, including Madrid, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands. Bustinduy’s department seeks additional court rulings regarding the other approximately 60,000 properties flagged for non-compliance. He characterized the court ruling as a significant victory for housing rights, emphasizing the need for economic interests to not overshadow housing needs, and asserting that no enterprise is above the law.
In recent months, rising rental prices have made housing the primary concern for many Spaniards, especially in metropolitan areas. The sharp increase in short-term rentals has been cited as a key contributor, reducing availability for local residents. As Spain anticipates an influx of about 94 million foreign tourists in 2024, concerns about the impact of tourism are becoming increasingly pronounced.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged the imbalance, asserting earlier this year that Spain has "too many Airbnbs and not enough homes," pledging to control tourism-related property use. Local governments are also responding: for instance, Barcelona plans to phase out its 10,000 short-term rentals by 2028.
While Airbnb prepares to appeal against the court ruling, the platform argues that the responsibility regarding compliance lies with the property hosts, not the company itself. They stress that housing issues in Spain stem from a deficit of available units rather than short-term rentals.
With Spain seeing over a hundred million tourists annually, tensions over tourism are likely to continue. Recent protests across the Canary Islands under the banner "Canaries have a limit" indicate rising discontent, with future demonstrations, such as a scheduled protest by the group Menys Turisme, Més Vida in Majorca, expected to draw attention to the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism.
