Airbnb faces Spanish crackdown: 65,000 listings to be axed
Over 65,000 holiday rental listings are set to vanish from the Airbnb platform following a directive from the Spanish government. This is an unprecedented decision that could significantly impact the country's tourism market.
The Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs has instructed Airbnb to remove more than 65,000 holiday rental listings that do not adhere to legal requirements.
Minister Pablo Bustinduy, during a press conference reported by Reuters, stated firmly: "No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who profit from the right to a home in our country."
Most of the challenged listings either lack the necessary license number or fail to specify the status of the owner.
According to "Fakt", a court in Madrid has already upheld the decision to remove 5,800 local listings. Airbnb announced an appeal, questioning the ministry's authority and asserting that no list of irregularities based on evidence was provided.
The action is part of a broader campaign against short-term rentals, which many Spaniards believe contribute to the housing crisis. Reuters reports that construction in Spain has not kept pace with demand since the property bubble burst over 15 years ago.
Official data show that by November of last year in Spain, there were around 321,000 homes with holiday rental licences, which is 15 percent more than in 2020. However, experts estimate that a significantly larger number of properties operate without the required permits.
The problem is not confined to Spain. According to Reuters, other European countries, such as Croatia and Italy, are also introducing regulations to limit holiday rentals. The most radical step has been taken by the mayor of Barcelona, who announced a complete ban on tourist rentals by 2028.
Airbnb - a revolution in travel
In recent years, Airbnb has revolutionised the way we travel, plan holidays, and even business trips. This global platform allows individuals to rent apartments, rooms, houses, and even unconventional properties – from treehouses to boats – directly from owners, offering an alternative to traditional hotels.
Registration and use of the platform are free, and users can browse listings, filtering them by location, price, amenities, and reviews from other guests. Reservations are made online, and payments are handled directly by the platform.
