Spain Isn’t Banning Tourists, But It’s Tightening Regulations

Caribbean News…
29 January 2025 5:21pm
Spain

Spain set a new record with 94 million visitors in 2024, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s top travel destinations. However, the surge in tourism has sparked growing concerns about overtourism, housing affordability, and resource management. While tourism remains crucial—contributing 12% to Spain’s GDP—the government is taking steps to regulate short-term rentals in response to rising housing costs.

What’s Changing?

  • Stricter rental rules: Some cities are limiting tourist accommodations. Malaga has banned new short-term rentals in 43 neighborhoods where they exceed 8% of available housing, while Barcelona plans to phase out all 10,000 licensed short-term rentals by 2028.
  • Housing affordability: Skyrocketing rents, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, have led to stricter regulations on short-term rentals, which are seen as inflating prices for locals.
  • New travel requirements: Visitors booking hotels or renting cars must now provide additional personal details—such as passport and payment information—under a new security law.

Despite these changes, Spain is not restricting tourism. Hotels, traditional accommodations, and most vacation rentals remain open to travelers.

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