Spain is seeing a renewed backlash against Airbnb as numerous protests highlight the growing frustration over over-tourism and its impact on housing.
Spain Strikes Back: Major Crackdown on Airbnb Rentals Amid Tourism Backlash
Spain Strikes Back: Major Crackdown on Airbnb Rentals Amid Tourism Backlash
The Spanish government seeks to remove 66,000 Airbnb listings as protests against over-tourism rise ahead of summer.
In a significant move, the Spanish authorities have initiated plans to eliminate nearly 66,000 properties from Airbnb's platform, citing violations of regulations concerning tourist accommodations. This announcement comes on the heels of major demonstrations throughout the Canary Islands, where thousands gathered to express their concerns over the ramifications of excessive tourism.
Pablo Bustinduy, Spain’s Minister for Social Rights and Consumer Affairs, stated that many properties listed on Airbnb have breached multiple housing norms for tourist use. This decision follows a ruling from a Madrid court, ordering Airbnb to retract listings for 5,800 properties deemed unlawful across six regions, including Madrid, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands. Bustinduy emphasized that they are awaiting more judicial resolutions regarding the remaining 60,000 properties identified as problematic.
The ministry explained that the rentals in question either lacked necessary license numbers or provided inaccurate ones, failing to clarify whether the owners were operating as professionals or private individuals. Bustinduy described the court's decision as a "victory for those defending housing rights," underscoring a commitment to prioritize housing over corporate interests.
Rising housing costs have emerged as a major concern for many Spaniards, especially in major urban areas, where rental prices have surged over the past decade without a corresponding rise in wages. Local populations have increasingly attributed their housing woes to the proliferation of tourist rentals, which further limit housing availability for residents.
With Spain being the second most sought-after tourist destination globally, receiving nearly 94 million foreign visitors, the country's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged the imbalance, stating "there are too many Airbnbs and not enough homes.” He pledged a concerted effort to curb the unchecked expansion of tourist properties.
In response to growing concerns, local governments have begun to take action against Airbnb. For instance, officials in Barcelona have committed to dismantling 10,000 short-term rental apartments by 2028. To navigate compliance issues, Airbnb has proactively engaged local governments in certain regions, including the Canary Islands, to ensure adherence to rental rules.
Airbnb, however, has announced its intention to contest the court ruling, asserting that there has been no substantiation of rule-breaking on the part of its hosts. The company maintained that the responsibility for listing compliance lies with property owners and emphasized that the broader housing crisis in Spain stems from an inadequate supply to meet demand, arguing that regulation does not effectively address the issue.
As sentiment against over-tourism grows, with protests cropping up in several popular destinations, Spain prepares for another summer filled with demonstrations against the impacts of tourism on local communities. Hundreds of protesters recently assembled in the Canary Islands under the rallying cry "Canaries have a limit," while activists on Majorca are mobilizing for upcoming protests, marking a coordinated campaign against the tumultuous waves of tourism.
Pablo Bustinduy, Spain’s Minister for Social Rights and Consumer Affairs, stated that many properties listed on Airbnb have breached multiple housing norms for tourist use. This decision follows a ruling from a Madrid court, ordering Airbnb to retract listings for 5,800 properties deemed unlawful across six regions, including Madrid, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands. Bustinduy emphasized that they are awaiting more judicial resolutions regarding the remaining 60,000 properties identified as problematic.
The ministry explained that the rentals in question either lacked necessary license numbers or provided inaccurate ones, failing to clarify whether the owners were operating as professionals or private individuals. Bustinduy described the court's decision as a "victory for those defending housing rights," underscoring a commitment to prioritize housing over corporate interests.
Rising housing costs have emerged as a major concern for many Spaniards, especially in major urban areas, where rental prices have surged over the past decade without a corresponding rise in wages. Local populations have increasingly attributed their housing woes to the proliferation of tourist rentals, which further limit housing availability for residents.
With Spain being the second most sought-after tourist destination globally, receiving nearly 94 million foreign visitors, the country's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged the imbalance, stating "there are too many Airbnbs and not enough homes.” He pledged a concerted effort to curb the unchecked expansion of tourist properties.
In response to growing concerns, local governments have begun to take action against Airbnb. For instance, officials in Barcelona have committed to dismantling 10,000 short-term rental apartments by 2028. To navigate compliance issues, Airbnb has proactively engaged local governments in certain regions, including the Canary Islands, to ensure adherence to rental rules.
Airbnb, however, has announced its intention to contest the court ruling, asserting that there has been no substantiation of rule-breaking on the part of its hosts. The company maintained that the responsibility for listing compliance lies with property owners and emphasized that the broader housing crisis in Spain stems from an inadequate supply to meet demand, arguing that regulation does not effectively address the issue.
As sentiment against over-tourism grows, with protests cropping up in several popular destinations, Spain prepares for another summer filled with demonstrations against the impacts of tourism on local communities. Hundreds of protesters recently assembled in the Canary Islands under the rallying cry "Canaries have a limit," while activists on Majorca are mobilizing for upcoming protests, marking a coordinated campaign against the tumultuous waves of tourism.
