The Spanish government has initiated a crackdown on Airbnb, targeting the removal of approximately 66,000 rental listings that violate housing regulations, amid rising protests against over-tourism and its impact on local housing markets.
Spain Takes Action Against Airbnb Amidst Growing Tourism Protests
Spain Takes Action Against Airbnb Amidst Growing Tourism Protests
Spain's government moves to remove thousands of Airbnb listings as citizens voice concerns over over-tourism and housing crises.
The Spanish government has intensified its efforts to regulate the Airbnb platform by ordering the removal of around 66,000 property listings alleged to breach national housing regulations. This action coincides with a resurgence of public discontent toward over-tourism, especially as the summer season approaches. Major protests erupted in the Canary Islands where thousands of demonstrators rallied against the negative impacts of excessive tourism on local communities.
Pablo Bustinduy, Spain's minister for social rights, consumer affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, emphasized that many Airbnb properties lacked necessary licenses or provided incorrect information regarding their legality for tourist use. Following a judicial ruling from a Madrid court, selected properties across six regions including Catalonia, Valencia, and the Basque Country were mandated to be removed from the market, highlighting a notable victory for housing rights activists.
The issue of housing affordability has escalated into a pressing concern for many Spaniards in recent months, with rental prices in urban areas soaring yet salaries remaining stagnant. The proliferation of tourist apartments has been implicated as a significant factor contributing to this crisis, resulting in long-time residents facing housing shortages.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed apprehension about the growing number of short-term rentals, asserting that they contribute to the housing shortage. Efforts by local governments, such as that of Barcelona, aim to reduce the number of short-term accommodations. Meanwhile, Airbnb has responded by announcing plans to appeal the court decisions, insisting that they act merely as a platform for hosts and that the housing issues in Spain are tied to broader supply and demand dynamics.
Last summer, Spain witnessed widespread unrest regarding the impacts of tourism, with rising numbers of foreign visitors predicted to intensify this year's protests. Activists in the Canary Islands have mobilized under the banner "Canaries have a limit," while groups like Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less tourism, more life) in Majorca have planned demonstrations for mid-June. The tensions between tourism and local housing will likely challenge Spanish authorities as they strive for a balanced approach moving forward.
