The Spanish government is intensifying its crackdown on Airbnb by demanding the removal of approximately 66,000 property listings from the platform, citing violations of regulations governing tourist accommodations. This move coincides with growing protests across Spain regarding issues related to over-tourism, particularly in the Canary Islands, where thousands rallied this past Sunday.
Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, stated that the targeted properties have failed to adhere to multiple housing regulations for tourist use. This announcement follows a ruling from a Madrid court, which mandated the immediate removal of 5,800 Airbnb listings identified as unlawful by the ministry. The properties involved are spread across six regions, including Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia, and additional court rulings are awaited regarding the other properties flagged.
The government identified that many of these properties either lacked proper licensing, provided incorrect numbers, or did not clarify the legal status of the owners, which is pivotal in determining whether they are renting as individuals or professionals. Bustinduy characterized the court's ruling as a significant win for housing rights and affirmed the government's commitment to ensure housing remains a priority over tourism-related profits.
The issue of housing has become increasingly pressing for many Spaniards, particularly with surging rental prices in major cities. The average rental cost has doubled over the past decade, while wages have stagnated. The over-reliance on tourist apartments is often blamed for exacerbating the accommodation crisis, restricting available homes for locals. Spain ranks as the second most visited country globally, attracting around 94 million foreign tourists in 2024 alone, a 13% rise compared to the previous year.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez voiced concerns regarding the imbalance, stating, "there are too many Airbnbs and not enough homes." He pledged to curb the unregulated proliferation of properties aimed at the tourism market. Some municipalities have begun to take action, with Barcelona planning to eradicate its 10,000 short-term tourist apartments by 2028.
Local governments have also attempted to collaborate with Airbnb to enhance compliance with tourism rental regulations, but controversies continue. In response to the recent government actions and court ruling, Airbnb has announced plans to appeal, arguing that they have not been shown evidence of rule violations by hosts. The company contended that a 2022 Supreme Court ruling clarified that property listing responsibilities lie with the hosts and that they merely serve as a neutral intermediary.
The debate over Airbnb and housing woes is likely to intensify, with protests aimed at combating the adverse effects of tourism on local communities gaining traction. Recent demonstrations have taken place across the Canary Islands under the banner "Canaries have a limit," while activists in Majorca are already gearing up for a protest scheduled for June 15 under the slogan "Less tourism, more life." With visitor numbers tapering towards 100 million each year, discontent among residents regarding the economic and social impacts of tourism is expected to persist this summer.
