MADRID — Spain attracted a record 94 million tourists last yr, making the Southern European nation famous for its Mediterranean coastline, sweeping landscapes and historic cities amongst probably the most visited countries on Earth.
The surge in visitors has stoked complaints at times from some Spaniards about “overtourism, ” with concerns about overcrowding, water use, and particularly the supply and affordability of housing.
Spain’s government has began listening to demands for more regulation, particularly around housing in Spain’s big cities, where rising home and rental prices have develop into a key concern for voters.
Earlier this month, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez introduced a 12-part plan to tackle the housing crisis, with measures aimed toward bringing stricter regulations to short-term rentals that mainly cater to tourists.
But that doesn’t mean Spain is putting the brakes on tourism, an industry that accounts for about 12% of its GDP.
Here’s what it’s best to know before planning a visit:
Is Spain restricting tourists?
No, but some cities have began to manage tourism rental properties.
Malaga, an Andalusian port city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, will prohibit recent rental properties in 43 neighborhoods of town where those rentals exceed 8% of the residential stock.
The policy went into effect earlier this month and shall be tested for 3 years.
Meanwhile, Barcelona plans to shut down all of its 10,000 apartments licensed as short-term rentals in the approaching years to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents.
The Mediterranean city known for its beaches, art and surrealist architecture announced last yr that it will not renew any recent tourism apartment licenses after they expire in 2028.
Can tourists still book hotels and other accommodations?
Yes. Tourists can book hotel stays and short-term apartment-style rentals nearly anywhere in Spain.
What’s prompting Spain to take these measures?
Spain is within the throes of a growing housing affordability problem. Skyrocketing rents are particularly acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have didn’t sustain, especially for young people.
Housing prices are also steadily rising, especially in cities and coastal areas.
Short-term contracts mainly offered for tourists are seen as driving up rental costs for locals, too.
What else should visitors know before booking travel?
Visitors renting a automotive in Spain or booking hotel stays will even must file more paperwork because of a recent law that requires hotel owners and automotive rental corporations to send personal information to the federal government for national security reasons.
Passport details, home addresses and payment information utilized by travelers above 14 are amongst the small print that shall be collected.
MADRID — Spain attracted a record 94 million tourists last yr, making the Southern European nation famous for its Mediterranean coastline, sweeping landscapes and historic cities amongst probably the most visited countries on Earth.
The surge in visitors has stoked complaints at times from some Spaniards about “overtourism, ” with concerns about overcrowding, water use, and particularly the supply and affordability of housing.
Spain’s government has began listening to demands for more regulation, particularly around housing in Spain’s big cities, where rising home and rental prices have develop into a key concern for voters.
Earlier this month, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez introduced a 12-part plan to tackle the housing crisis, with measures aimed toward bringing stricter regulations to short-term rentals that mainly cater to tourists.
But that doesn’t mean Spain is putting the brakes on tourism, an industry that accounts for about 12% of its GDP.
Here’s what it’s best to know before planning a visit:
Is Spain restricting tourists?
No, but some cities have began to manage tourism rental properties.
Malaga, an Andalusian port city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, will prohibit recent rental properties in 43 neighborhoods of town where those rentals exceed 8% of the residential stock.
The policy went into effect earlier this month and shall be tested for 3 years.
Meanwhile, Barcelona plans to shut down all of its 10,000 apartments licensed as short-term rentals in the approaching years to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents.
The Mediterranean city known for its beaches, art and surrealist architecture announced last yr that it will not renew any recent tourism apartment licenses after they expire in 2028.
Can tourists still book hotels and other accommodations?
Yes. Tourists can book hotel stays and short-term apartment-style rentals nearly anywhere in Spain.
What’s prompting Spain to take these measures?
Spain is within the throes of a growing housing affordability problem. Skyrocketing rents are particularly acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have didn’t sustain, especially for young people.
Housing prices are also steadily rising, especially in cities and coastal areas.
Short-term contracts mainly offered for tourists are seen as driving up rental costs for locals, too.
What else should visitors know before booking travel?
Visitors renting a automotive in Spain or booking hotel stays will even must file more paperwork because of a recent law that requires hotel owners and automotive rental corporations to send personal information to the federal government for national security reasons.
Passport details, home addresses and payment information utilized by travelers above 14 are amongst the small print that shall be collected.
