With the summer tourism season approaching, Spain is facing increasing tensions over the impact of short-term rentals on local housing markets. The government has initiated actions against Airbnb, targeting nearly 66,000 properties believed to violate regulations.
Spain Cracks Down on Airbnb Amid Rising Tourism Protests
Spain Cracks Down on Airbnb Amid Rising Tourism Protests
Spanish authorities request removal of 66,000 Airbnb listings over regulation breaches as protests against over-tourism gain momentum.
In a move underscoring growing discontent about over-tourism, the Spanish government has ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 property listings that breach accommodation regulations. This crackdown coincides with rising protests across the Canary Islands, where thousands rallied against the consequences of excessive tourism on local communities.
Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, announced that these properties had committed various infractions regarding housing designated for tourist use. This directive followed a recent ruling from a Madrid court mandating the immediate withdrawal of nearly 5,000 properties from the platform, with many located in distinct regions such as Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, and the Balearic Islands.
The government’s initiative primarily focuses on properties lacking proper licenses or failing to disclose whether they're rented as professional business ventures or by individuals. Bustinduy proclaimed the court's decision as a significant victory for housing advocates, asserting the assertion that no corporate interest should override public rights to housing.
Growing numbers of Spaniards have voiced concerns over surging rental costs as the average rental price has doubled in recent years, while salaries remain stagnant. Many locals believe that the proliferation of tourist apartments plays a major role in these rising costs, further limiting available housing for residents. With Spain ranking as the second most frequented tourist destination globally, attracting 94 million visitors in 2024, the situation continues to escalate.
This sentiment aligns with earlier statements from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who acknowledged the imbalance between Airbnb numbers and affordable housing availability, committing to regulate the expansion of such rentals.
Different local governments, like Barcelona, are taking assertive measures against Airbnb by planning to eradicate 10,000 short-term rental apartments by the end of 2028. Meanwhile, some regions have sought cooperative agreements with Airbnb to ensure compliance with tourism regulations.
In response to the government’s announcement and the court ruling, Airbnb declared its intent to appeal, arguing that hosts bear responsibility for any regulatory infractions, citing a previous Supreme Court ruling that characterized the platform as a neutral intermediary rather than a property provider.
While Airbnb defends its role in the housing crisis by attributing it to insufficient supply, widespread protests against over-tourism are forecast to grow as Spain’s visitor numbers continue to approach record highs. The urgent calls to action from local groups rallying for reduced tourism will likely intensify over the summer, with planned protests set to bring increased scrutiny to Spain’s tourism policies.
Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, announced that these properties had committed various infractions regarding housing designated for tourist use. This directive followed a recent ruling from a Madrid court mandating the immediate withdrawal of nearly 5,000 properties from the platform, with many located in distinct regions such as Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, and the Balearic Islands.
The government’s initiative primarily focuses on properties lacking proper licenses or failing to disclose whether they're rented as professional business ventures or by individuals. Bustinduy proclaimed the court's decision as a significant victory for housing advocates, asserting the assertion that no corporate interest should override public rights to housing.
Growing numbers of Spaniards have voiced concerns over surging rental costs as the average rental price has doubled in recent years, while salaries remain stagnant. Many locals believe that the proliferation of tourist apartments plays a major role in these rising costs, further limiting available housing for residents. With Spain ranking as the second most frequented tourist destination globally, attracting 94 million visitors in 2024, the situation continues to escalate.
This sentiment aligns with earlier statements from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who acknowledged the imbalance between Airbnb numbers and affordable housing availability, committing to regulate the expansion of such rentals.
Different local governments, like Barcelona, are taking assertive measures against Airbnb by planning to eradicate 10,000 short-term rental apartments by the end of 2028. Meanwhile, some regions have sought cooperative agreements with Airbnb to ensure compliance with tourism regulations.
In response to the government’s announcement and the court ruling, Airbnb declared its intent to appeal, arguing that hosts bear responsibility for any regulatory infractions, citing a previous Supreme Court ruling that characterized the platform as a neutral intermediary rather than a property provider.
While Airbnb defends its role in the housing crisis by attributing it to insufficient supply, widespread protests against over-tourism are forecast to grow as Spain’s visitor numbers continue to approach record highs. The urgent calls to action from local groups rallying for reduced tourism will likely intensify over the summer, with planned protests set to bring increased scrutiny to Spain’s tourism policies.
