Spain is set to impose new restrictions on holiday rental properties and pub crawls in an effort to mitigate the impact of tourism on its residents. Those planning a Spanish getaway this year will face stricter rules in some of the country's most frequented tourist hotspots.
The newly introduced regulations could also mean that your trip to your favourite Mediterranean resort might be pricier than before. Last year saw a wave of protests against overtourism as Spain continues to grapple with increasing visitor numbers.
A staggering 11.7 million tourists flocked to Barcelona city in 2024. The vibrant capital of Spain's Catalonia region is a popular choice for those celebrating stag and hen parties, but a ban on pub crawls aimed at curbing antisocial behaviour in the district is expected to come into effect at the start of June.
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A mayoral decree will 'completely restrict' organised routes for alcohol consumption between public establishments in the district from 7pm - 7am. Promoters or organisers advertising pub crawls could face a hefty €900 fine.
From 2028, the city will also prohibit the letting of short-term tourist apartments, a move prompted by overcrowding and local concerns over escalating property and rental prices. Other locations implementing similar rules include Malaga and Mallorca, reports the Mirror.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated: "The government's duty is to prioritise residential use of housing and prevent speculative and touristic uses from expanding in a totally uncontrolled manner at the cost of residents."
Following a record-breaking 18 million visitors to the highly sought-after Balearic Islands in 2024, officials declared that they had reached their limit. With even more tourists anticipated this year, measures to control and manage tourism are being implemented before the start of the season.
In October, Balearic President Marga Prohens announced plans for new regulations and appealed for support from opposition parties. "We are aware of the need to adopt measures before the next season to deal with episodes of tourist overcrowding," she said.
"Yes, the time has come to take decisions, and for this reason, I can announce that next February the Balearic government will approve a decree law on urgent measures to tackle tourist congestion with measures that have the consensus of all."
The upcoming regulations are expected to include a tax on overnight stays and increased police authority to crack down on unauthorised holiday rentals. Authorities are considering options such as capping airport arrivals or introducing additional taxes on specific hotspots or activities, aiming to redirect the large influx of tourists flocking to popular destinations.
These heightened rules come in the wake of a Spanish law implemented last year, which necessitates anyone booking a hotel stay or car hire to provide additional personal information than was previously required. Tenerife has already put a cap on the number of visitors allowed into its national parks and Mallorca has limited the number of cruise ships permitted at its port.
Seville will now impose a charge on anyone entering the city's popular Plaza de España square.
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