In a significant move amidst growing discontent regarding over-tourism, the Spanish government announced the removal of nearly 66,000 property listings on Airbnb, which allegedly violate regulations pertaining to tourist accommodations. The clampdown coincides with large-scale protests in the Canary Islands, where thousands gathered to voice concerns over the impact of tourism on housing. Minister for Social Rights, Pablo Bustinduy, emphasized the importance of prioritizing housing rights over economic interests, particularly in light of the escalating rental crisis affecting Spanish cities.
Spain's Government Cracks Down on Airbnb amid Tourism Protests
Spain's Government Cracks Down on Airbnb amid Tourism Protests
Spain targets 66,000 Airbnb listings due to regulations breaches as protests against over-tourism rise in the Canary Islands.
The legal basis for this decision stems from a recent Madrid court ruling mandating Airbnb to withdraw 5,800 specific listings. Bustinduy outlined deficiencies in the rental properties, such as the lack of proper licenses and misleading ownership information. He highlighted this court ruling as a major step in protecting housing rights amidst Spain's soaring rental prices, which have doubled over the past decade.
Spain, the world’s second most visited country, experiences substantial tourism pressure, leading to public outrage over inadequate housing. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez remarked earlier this year on the overwhelming number of Airbnb listings compared to available homes. As local governments also take action—like Barcelona’s plan to eliminate 10,000 tourist apartments—Airbnb contends that it will appeal the recent rulings, citing that property listing responsibility lies with individual hosts, not the platform itself.
With protests erupting again, particularly in the Canary Islands under the slogan "Canaries have a limit," and additional actions planned in Majorca, Measurable impacts of this ongoing struggle between tourists and local communities are anticipated. As public sentiment remains against unregulated tourism, the coming summer months will likely see continued scrutiny of Airbnb's role in Spain's housing crisis.
Spain, the world’s second most visited country, experiences substantial tourism pressure, leading to public outrage over inadequate housing. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez remarked earlier this year on the overwhelming number of Airbnb listings compared to available homes. As local governments also take action—like Barcelona’s plan to eliminate 10,000 tourist apartments—Airbnb contends that it will appeal the recent rulings, citing that property listing responsibility lies with individual hosts, not the platform itself.
With protests erupting again, particularly in the Canary Islands under the slogan "Canaries have a limit," and additional actions planned in Majorca, Measurable impacts of this ongoing struggle between tourists and local communities are anticipated. As public sentiment remains against unregulated tourism, the coming summer months will likely see continued scrutiny of Airbnb's role in Spain's housing crisis.
