Monday, January 27, 2025 In a fiery twist that’s leaving travelers outraged and locals divided, Spain has launched a dramatic crackdown on excessive tourism, targeting holiday rentals and British travelers in an unprecedented shake-up. The Iberian nation, a jewel of European tourism, is turning the tables on the influx of tourists it once welcomed with open arms. On the sunny Costa del Sol, Malaga is spearheading the battle against overtourism by slamming the brakes on holiday rentals.
The city, famed for its beaches and vibrant culture, is banning the registration of new holiday properties. This isn’t just a tweak—it’s an all-out war against an industry blamed for crippling the local housing market. Over 8% of residential blocks in Malaga have been swallowed by holiday rentals, fueling a housing crisis that locals say has spiraled out of control.
Effective immediately, property owners looking to cash in on short-term rentals face strict sanctions. Those registered after February 2022 without independent building access will see their licenses revoked, leaving countless properties in limbo. Malaga isn’t alone.
The ripple effect of anti-tourism protests has reached cities like Alicante and Madrid, which have already rolled out similar restrictions. Seville, another crown jewel in Spain’s tourism arsenal, is expected to follow suit. The initial bans are set to last three years but are widely expected to extend indefinitely.
Spain’s crackdown is part of a broader E.
