**The decision aims to address rising rental costs and housing concerns, with many locals resentful of the impact of tourist rentals.**
**Spain Takes Action Against Airbnb Amid Growing Tourism Backlash**
**Spain Takes Action Against Airbnb Amid Growing Tourism Backlash**
**The Spanish government seeks to remove listings from Airbnb, sparking protests over over-tourism as summer approaches.**
The Spanish government has intensified its efforts against Airbnb, targeting nearly 66,000 properties listed on the platform for allegedly violating regulations concerning tourist accommodations. This crackdown coincides with a resurgence of protests against over-tourism, particularly in the Canary Islands, where thousands rallied on Sunday to voice their grievances.
Pablo Bustinduy, Spain's minister for social rights and consumer affairs, highlighted that these rental properties have breached various norms for housing intended for tourist use. The government’s action follows a court ruling in Madrid, which mandated Airbnb to withdraw 5,800 listings from specific regions, including Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Basque Country. Bustinduy expressed his belief that the court’s decision signifies a victory for those advocating for housing rights, emphasizing that economic interests should not overshadow the right to housing.
As housing costs soar—having doubled over the past ten years without salaries keeping pace—many Spaniards are increasingly frustrated by the proliferation of tourist apartments, which they believe remove necessary housing options from the market. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has openly criticized the excess of Airbnbs and committed to restraining further uncontrolled tourism developments.
Local governments are also taking up the challenge. Barcelona aims to eliminate its 10,000 short-term tourism apartments by 2028, while other regions have negotiated terms with Airbnb to ensure compliance with local regulations. In contrast, Airbnb has stated its intention to appeal the recent court rulings, arguing that property listings are the responsibility of hosts, not the platform itself.
The company further claimed that the core issue behind Spain’s housing crisis is the insufficient supply of homes, asserting that heavy-handed regulations may worsen the situation for families relying on hosting income to sustain their living costs. With the number of foreign tourists to Spain anticipated to near 100 million this summer, community unrest over the effects of tourism is likely to escalate.
On Sunday, protesters in the Canary Islands marched under the banner "Canaries have a limit," while activists in Majorca are gearing up for a similar demonstration scheduled for June 15, reflecting a broader movement advocating for sustainable tourism practices.
