Spain Takes Action Against Airbnb: What You Need to Know About the Summer Tourism Backlash

The Spanish government is taking action against Airbnb, targeting nearly 66,000 rental listings for breaching laws on tourist accommodations. This comes as protests against over-tourism escalate, particularly in the Canary Islands, where thousands demonstrated just before summer.

Pablo Bustinduy, the minister for social rights, explained that these properties violated housing norms. Recently, a court mandated that Airbnb must remove nearly 5,000 of these listings. This ruling mainly affects areas like Madrid, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands.

The identified properties often lacked proper license numbers or did not meet legal requirements. Bustinduy sees this court decision as a victory for housing rights. He emphasized that companies shouldn’t prioritize profits over people’s right to a home.

Housing has become a pressing concern for many Spaniards. Rental costs have doubled in the past decade, while wages have stagnated. Many locals blame tourist rentals for exacerbating the housing crisis, making it hard for residents to find affordable places.

Spain is a top tourist destination, with about 94 million visitors expected in 2024—a 13% increase from last year. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged the problem, stating, "there are too many Airbnbs and not enough homes."

Cities like Barcelona plan to eliminate thousands of short-term rentals by 2028. Meanwhile, some areas are partnering with Airbnb to ensure compliance with local rental laws. However, Airbnb argues that it is not responsible for the listings’ legality; hosts should bear that responsibility.

Despite Airbnb’s claims that regulation won’t resolve housing shortages, the issue of over-tourism is prompting ongoing protests. This summer, demonstrations are expected to grow, particularly under slogans like "Canaries have a limit." Groups advocating for less tourism are planning more protests to raise awareness about the local housing crisis.

Recent surveys show that public sentiment is shifting against rampant tourism in popular areas. For many residents, the struggles of finding affordable housing overshadow the benefits of tourism. As the summer approaches, tensions between tourists and locals are likely to intensify.

For further insights, you can read more on the BBC about Spain’s ongoing battle with tourism impacts.

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