Spain clamps down on Airbnb as tourism backlash returns for summer

In Spain, the issue of over-tourism has become a significant concern, especially as the summer season approaches. Recently, thousands of protesters gathered in the Canary Islands to voice their frustrations about the overwhelming number of tourists visiting their communities. Many of these demonstrators held signs with messages like 'It's Survival, Not Tourismphobia,' highlighting the impact that excessive tourism has on local residents. In response to these growing concerns, the Spanish government has announced plans to remove listings for nearly 66,000 properties on Airbnb, a popular rental platform. The government argues that these properties are not in compliance with regulations governing tourist accommodations. This crackdown comes at a time when protests against over-tourism are gaining momentum, particularly in the Canary Islands, where thousands took to the streets on Sunday. Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, stated that the rental properties in question have violated various norms related to housing for tourist use. Following a recent court ruling in Madrid, Airbnb has been ordered to immediately withdraw nearly 4,984 properties from its listings. These properties are spread across six regions, including Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, and the Balearic Islands. The ministry is now awaiting further judicial rulings regarding the remaining 60,000 properties that it deems unlawful. According to the ministry's findings, many of these properties either lack a proper license number, have provided incorrect information, or have not clarified the legal status of the owner, which is essential to determine whether they are renting as a business or as a private individual. Bustinduy described the court's decision as a significant victory for those advocating for housing rights. He emphasized that it is possible to ensure that economic interests do not take precedence over housing needs and that no company, regardless of its size or power, is above the law. In recent months, housing has emerged as a pressing concern for many Spaniards, particularly due to skyrocketing rental costs in larger cities. The average rental price has doubled over the past decade, while wages have not kept pace. Many locals believe that the rise of tourist apartments has contributed to the housing crisis, as they take away available accommodations from residents. Spain is the second most popular tourist destination in the world, following France, with 94 million foreign visitors expected in 2024, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. Earlier this year, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the problem, stating, 'There are too many Airbnbs and not enough homes. ' He pledged to curb the uncontrolled expansion of properties being used for tourism. Some local governments have begun to take action against Airbnb, while others have opted for a more collaborative approach. In recent months, Airbnb has reached agreements with local authorities in the Canary Islands, Ibiza, and Murcia to ensure that property owners comply with tourist rental regulations. In response to the court ruling and Bustinduy's announcement, Airbnb stated that it would appeal the decisions related to this case, arguing that no evidence of rule-breaking by hosts had been presented. The company also referenced a 2022 ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court, which determined that the responsibility for listing information lies with the property host, not the platform itself, which acts as a neutral intermediary. Furthermore, Airbnb pointed out that the root cause of the affordable housing crisis in Spain is a lack of supply to meet the demand. A spokesperson for the company stated, 'Governments around the world are realizing that regulating Airbnb does not solve housing issues or return homes to the market; it only harms local families who depend on hosting to afford their homes and rising costs. ' Last summer, Spain experienced a wave of protests against over-tourism in many popular destinations, with the impact on housing being the primary grievance. As the number of foreign visitors to Spain approaches 100 million per year, it is anticipated that the unrest will continue this summer. On Sunday, several thousand people marched across the Canary Islands under the slogan 'Canaries have a limit. ' In Majorca, a group called Menys Turisme, Més Vida, which translates to 'Less tourism, more life,' is organizing a protest scheduled for June 15.