Friday, January 24, 2025 Spain’s efforts for sustainable tourism may lead to a staggering $25 billion deficit as rising rents and housing crises escalate, challenging tourism policies. Spain’s efforts to tackle overtourism may come at a hefty price, with economists cautioning that the country could face a £25 billion shortfall as a result. Airbnb has highlighted the positive contributions of short-term rentals to families, rural communities, and small businesses, arguing that restrictive regulations are unfairly blamed for Spain’s ongoing housing challenges.
The platform has called for collaborative solutions, stating that overtourism and housing issues require balanced approaches rather than scapegoating rental activities. Spain is currently grappling with significant challenges stemming from overtourism, including a housing crisis and an 80% surge in rental costs over the past decade. Acknowledging the problem, Airbnb has been working with local governments to propose solutions.
According to a report by Express , the company has introduced a regulatory framework rooted in four core principles. The first principle is distinguishing between professional tourist rentals and occasional home-sharing to ensure clear regulation. The second focuses on creating a free, unified online registration system that complies with EU regulations.
Third, Airbnb recommends rules that are proportionate, evidence-based, non-discriminatory, and rooted in data. Lastly, it advocates for tail.