Following a crackdown on Airbnb, Malaga has witnessed a significant decline in tourist bookings, with a 37,000 drop in reservations between July and November last year. This downturn is largely attributed to a decrease in domestic demand, according to economists.
The city saw major protests in 2024 over concerns of 'saturation' in tourist areas, which may have influenced local residents' decisions. Data from the Tourist Apartment Occupancy Survey reveals that during this period, 571,773 people stayed in tourist apartments, down from 609,277 in the same period in 2023.
Notably, the number of Spanish residents staying in regulated accommodation decreased from 213,598 to 152,192. In contrast, foreign visitors increased from 395,679 to 419,581.
One respondent commented: "Tourist rentals have killed the normal rental market and workers can no longer find affordable rents to match their (generally low) salarios.
"The worst of it is people from outside the area and abroad, invest in properties to rent them out to tourists. It used to be called speculation and was frowned upon. Nowadays, sadly, anything goes.", reports Birmingham Live.
"Careful what you wish for! " one person commented. "Good. Don't want it to end up like VENICE," another chimed in.
In agreement, a fellow holidaymaker expressed, "Well done and let's hope those who own the property let the local people rent them at a reasonable rate."
The sentiment was shared by another who remarked, "Funny thing that there are so many Spanish tourists."
A different voice added, "When some of us said we would stop visiting there we meant it, I won't give my money to people who clearly don't want us there."
Echoing a similar feeling, another declared, "Can't blame the Spanish for not willing to spend holidays in destinations full of British or Russian tourists."
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English (United States) ·