Barcelona to Ban Short-Term Holiday Rentals by 2028 Amid Anti-Tourism Protests
Barcelona has announced plans to ban all short-term holiday rentals by 2028. This decision comes as anti-tourism protests escalate across various Spanish regions, including Mallorca, Málaga, and the Canary Islands. Residents are voicing grievances over a severe housing crisis, rising living costs, and environmental strain, which they attribute to mass tourism. Activists have engaged in various protest tactics, such as targeting outdoor diners with water pistols and organizing blockades of hotels. In response to these growing concerns, the Spanish national government has also introduced new licensing requirements for major rental platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Additionally, tourist taxes have been increased or implemented in areas such as Tenerife and Ibiza, reflecting a broader governmental effort to manage the impact of tourism.
