Despite government efforts to curb short-term tourist rentals amid a housing crisis, Spain has seen a 25% surge in such accommodations over the past two years, outpacing hotel growth and fueling public backlash over rising living costs.
Short-term tourist rentals in Spain have surged by 25% over the past two years, according to a study by tourism industry group Exceltur, despite efforts by local governments to curb their growth amid a worsening housing crisis. The study reveals that tourist accommodation is expanding at an above-average rate in many of Spain’s top 50 destinations, which together accounted for half of all international tourist arrivals in 2024.
In contrast, the number of hotel rooms increased by just 2% between 2022 and 2024, based on data from registered tourist accommodations and listings analyzed by Exceltur. This sharp growth in short-term rentals has intensified public pressure, with residents blaming mass tourism for rising rental and property prices.
To combat the strain on housing, Spanish authorities are introducing stricter regulations to shift property use toward long-term rentals. The Bank of Spain estimates a nationwide shortfall of 450,000 homes. In response, cities like Barcelona have banned new short-term rental permits by 2028, while Madrid, Malaga, and the Canary Islands are limiting new authorizations.
Just last week, the Spanish government ordered Airbnb to remove over 65,000 listings it said were in violation of current regulations. Airbnb has stated it plans to appeal the decision. However, Exceltur’s vice president, Oscar Perelli, pointed out that enforcement remains weak, as traditional inspections have failed to keep up with the scale of listings.
Madrid saw a 49% increase in tourist rentals between 2022 and 2024, now representing 38% of the city’s 176,702 tourist beds. Malaga experienced a 36% rise, with short-term rentals now making up 56% of its visitor accommodations. Even in Barcelona, where a moratorium on new permits has been in place for years, short-term rentals have still grown by 26%.
Spain remains the world’s second most visited country after France, with 25.6 million international tourists arriving in the first four months of 2025—an increase of 7% year-on-year.
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford has secured government support worth around £500 million for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 26th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a nearly $900 billion defence plan for 2026, keeping spending flat but shifting firepower toward cutting-edge missiles and drones in a bid to counter China and modernise America’s military edge.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is visiting Central America to strengthen cooperation on curbing drug trafficking and reducing undocumented migration to the U.S., meeting leaders in Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras.
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford has secured government support worth around £500 million for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
Deadly floods have swept through southwest China’s Guizhou province, claiming at least six lives and forcing tens of thousands to flee as rivers surge to levels not seen in half a century.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 26th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a nearly $900 billion defence plan for 2026, keeping spending flat but shifting firepower toward cutting-edge missiles and drones in a bid to counter China and modernise America’s military edge.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The planet is still on track to near 10 billion people by 2050, yet most families are having fewer children than they want. Longer lives, lower fertility and uneven migration now demand a rethink of how societies support parents and care for an ageing population.
North Korea has opened a large coastal resort in its eastern Kalma region, with leader Kim Jong Un describing the project as a key development in the country’s tourism sector, according to state media.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 26th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Deadly floods have swept through southwest China’s Guizhou province, claiming at least six lives and forcing tens of thousands to flee as rivers surge to levels not seen in half a century.
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford has secured government support worth around £500 million for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
Deadly floods have swept through southwest China’s Guizhou province, claiming at least six lives and forcing tens of thousands to flee as rivers surge to levels not seen in half a century.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 26th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a nearly $900 billion defence plan for 2026, keeping spending flat but shifting firepower toward cutting-edge missiles and drones in a bid to counter China and modernise America’s military edge.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment