Amid rising rental costs and increasing public protests, the Spanish government is taking significant steps to remove thousands of Airbnb listings deemed illegal, highlighting a backlash against over-tourism in popular areas, especially the Canary Islands.
Spain Implements Strict Measures Against Airbnb Amid Rising Tourism Protests
Spain Implements Strict Measures Against Airbnb Amid Rising Tourism Protests
As summer tourism season nears, Spain's government intensifies action against Airbnb's property listings, amidst growing public dissent over over-tourism.
Spain's government has launched a major initiative to remove nearly 66,000 properties listed on Airbnb, citing violations of tourist accommodation regulations. This crackdown coincides with widespread protests against excessive tourism ahead of the summer season, particularly in regions like the Canary Islands, where thousands rallied for changes.
Pablo Bustinduy, Spain's Minister for Social Rights, confirmed that these properties have breached norms regarding tourism rentals. Following a ruling from a Madrid court, Airbnb has been ordered to withdraw 5,800 properties immediately, many spread across key regions such as Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia. The ministry awaits further legal decisions regarding the remaining 60,000 listings it considers illegitimate.
Bustinduy emphasized that the recent court ruling is a triumph for those advocating for housing rights, asserting that economic interests should not trump the right to adequate housing. The concern over housing affordability has surged in Spain, particularly in urban centers, exacerbated by increasing rental prices, which have doubled over the last ten years while wages have stagnated.
Tourist rentals have come under fire for exacerbating housing shortages, as local residents struggle to find affordable accommodation amidst a wave of up to 94 million foreign tourists expected by 2024.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has previously expressed his discomfort with the proliferation of Airbnb listings, noting that many tourists are crowding out local residents. Various regional governments, like Barcelona, have begun similar crackdowns, including plans to eliminate thousands of tourist rentals by 2028, while others have sought collaboration with Airbnb to promote adherence to rental regulations.
In response to the government's actions, Airbnb is planning to appeal the court's decisions, claiming that no evidence of wrongdoing has been presented by hosts. The company stated that a previous Supreme Court ruling established that property listing responsibilities lie primarily with hosts, not with the platform.
In light of the current situation, Airbnb advocates for the need for increased housing supply as a solution to the ongoing affordability crisis, arguing that their regulations may worsen the challenges faced by local families who rely on income from short-term rentals.
The unrest over tourism is likely to intensify this summer, with demonstrations already occurring in the Canary Islands and plans for more protests in Majorca. The slogan "Canaries have a limit" resonates deeply with increasing concerns about the sustainability of tourism in the region.
Pablo Bustinduy, Spain's Minister for Social Rights, confirmed that these properties have breached norms regarding tourism rentals. Following a ruling from a Madrid court, Airbnb has been ordered to withdraw 5,800 properties immediately, many spread across key regions such as Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia. The ministry awaits further legal decisions regarding the remaining 60,000 listings it considers illegitimate.
Bustinduy emphasized that the recent court ruling is a triumph for those advocating for housing rights, asserting that economic interests should not trump the right to adequate housing. The concern over housing affordability has surged in Spain, particularly in urban centers, exacerbated by increasing rental prices, which have doubled over the last ten years while wages have stagnated.
Tourist rentals have come under fire for exacerbating housing shortages, as local residents struggle to find affordable accommodation amidst a wave of up to 94 million foreign tourists expected by 2024.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has previously expressed his discomfort with the proliferation of Airbnb listings, noting that many tourists are crowding out local residents. Various regional governments, like Barcelona, have begun similar crackdowns, including plans to eliminate thousands of tourist rentals by 2028, while others have sought collaboration with Airbnb to promote adherence to rental regulations.
In response to the government's actions, Airbnb is planning to appeal the court's decisions, claiming that no evidence of wrongdoing has been presented by hosts. The company stated that a previous Supreme Court ruling established that property listing responsibilities lie primarily with hosts, not with the platform.
In light of the current situation, Airbnb advocates for the need for increased housing supply as a solution to the ongoing affordability crisis, arguing that their regulations may worsen the challenges faced by local families who rely on income from short-term rentals.
The unrest over tourism is likely to intensify this summer, with demonstrations already occurring in the Canary Islands and plans for more protests in Majorca. The slogan "Canaries have a limit" resonates deeply with increasing concerns about the sustainability of tourism in the region.
