A ‘Spain tourist ban’ in some of Spain’s most popular tourist spots is one of the new policies the government has implemented to address the problem of overtourism and its effects on residents.
Bristol Post Spain is implementing new regulations in several of its most popular tourist locations to curb overtourism.
A record-breaking 94 million tourists visited Spain last year, making it one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. British tourists, who accounted for the largest percentage of visitors in 2024, are especially fond of it.
Although tourism generates a significant amount of income for the nation (€126 billion in 2018), there are drawbacks, and many Spaniards have had enough.
Residents of several of the most popular vacation destinations lament the shortage of accommodation, particularly inexpensive housing, the overcrowding, and the town centres’ failure to serve people.
To address the problems, a number of demonstrations have taken place throughout Spain and the Canary Islands, demanding stricter regulations.
Among the communities making these adjustments is Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol and a popular sunny getaway destination for vacationers from the UK.
Anti-tourist demonstrations have recently increased in the city, reflecting a broader national trend. As a result, well-known tourist destinations are enacting new regulations to lessen the negative impacts of excessive tourism.
Malaga has recently implemented its limitations, placing a cap on vacation rentals. Similar actions were taken in Alicante and Madrid last year, and other popular tourist destinations like Barcelona and Seville are anticipated to follow suit.
According to Cork Beo, locals are complaining that the increase in tourists is making housing unaffordable for them.
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What does it signify for travellers?
In 43 districts, Malaga has made it illegal to register vacation rentals. Despite being popularly referred to as a “tourist ban,” this measure is intended to target people who are looking to rent out properties rather than those who are looking to rent.
The goal of the Malaga City Council and Costa del Sol effort is to quickly stop the increasing number of rental units that are popping up in the most crowded areas of the city, especially when they make up more than 8% of the residential blocks in a given district.
It seems probable that the three-year prohibition in Malaga City will be prolonged.
Is it still possible for travellers to reserve hotels and Airbnb in Spain?
In Malaga and all 43 of its impacted districts, travellers can still reserve hotels, Airbnbs, and other lodging options. This contains the 13,000 vacation rentals in Malaga City that are currently registered. In Malaga, your favourite vacation spot or Airbnb is most likely secure.
However, licenses will be cancelled for tourist apartments registered since February 22 that do not have resources and independent access apart from the residential portion of the structure.
Travellers should expect to provide more specific personal information, which is unrelated to the suspension of rental property registrations.
Registering for a car for rent or a hotel stay can contain home addresses, bank card information, and family ties. Despite intense opposition, this policy was put into effect at the end of last year.
In an attempt to help authorities hunt down criminals operating in Spain, the Interior Ministry of Spain introduced it.