As Spain wrestles with overtourism, here’s what to know before planning a trip

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Spain welcomed a record-breaking 94 million tourists last year, cementing its position as a top global destination.

The influx of visitors, drawn to the country’s Mediterranean beaches, diverse landscapes, and rich history, has contributed significantly to the Spanish economy, with tourism accounting for approximately 12 per cent of GDP.

However, this surge in popularity has sparked concerns among residents, particularly regarding “overtourism.”

Overcrowding, strained resources like water, and the increasing scarcity and cost of housing have become pressing issues, especially in major cities. These concerns have not gone unnoticed by the Spanish government.

Responding to public pressure for greater regulation, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently unveiled a 12-point plan to address the housing crisis. The plan includes measures aimed at tightening regulations on short-term rentals, which are predominantly used by tourists.

Despite these challenges, Spain remains committed to its vital tourism sector, seeking to balance economic benefits with the needs of its citizens.

Here’s what you should know before planning a visit:

No, but some cities have started to regulate tourism rental properties.

Malaga, an Andalusian port city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, will prohibit new rental properties in 43 neighborhoods of the city where those rentals exceed 8 per cent of the residential stock. The policy went into effect earlier this month and will be tested for three years.

Meanwhile, Barcelona plans to close down all of its 10,000 apartments licensed as short-term rentals in the coming years to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents. The Mediterranean city known for its beaches, art and surrealist architecture announced last year that it would not renew any new tourism apartment licenses after they expire in 2028.

Yes. Tourists can book hotel stays and short-term apartment-style rentals just about anywhere in Spain.

Spain is in the throes of a growing housing affordability problem. Skyrocketing rents are particularly acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, 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.

Visitors renting a car in Spain or booking hotel stays will also have to file more paperwork thanks to a new law that requires hotel owners and car rental companies to send personal information to the government for national security reasons.

Passport details, home addresses and payment information used by travelers above 14 are among the details that will be collected.

Source: independent.co.uk