Spain’s three year ‘tourist ban’ – everything we know and what it mean | Travel News | Travel

One of the most visited countries in the world, Spain, is introducing a new set of restrictions this year, following the number of anti-tourist protests that unfolded across Europe last year.

Overtourism has impacted the livelihoods of many residents in popular holiday destinations, including the toll it has taken on resources and the housing markets.

Now, the loved country is making moves in an attempt to regulate the situation.

Last week, Malaga, the capital of Costa del Sol, announced measures to limit tourism and safeguard the integrity of its historic centres.

To target people who rent out properties, the city will ban the registration of holiday rentals across 43 districts.

According to the Mirror, both Malaga City Council and Costa del Sol are working to stop the increasing number of rental properties in the city’s busiest and crowded districts, where in one specific area, rental properties account for over 8% of the residential buildings.

But what does this mean for British tourists planning trips to Spain?

Brits can still book short-term rentals, Airbnb, hotels, and other accommodations across Malaga and the 43 affected districts, including the 13,000 holiday rentals officially registered by the city.

However, any tourist accommodations registered since February 2022 that do not have independent access and resources separate from the residential section of buildings will have their licence cancelled.

Malaga’s tourist accommodation ban is also likely to be extended beyond the initial three-year term, and it is not the only part of Spain that’s rolled out regulations.

Alicante and Madrid have also implemented similar bands over the last year, and other Spanish cities, including Seville, are expected to follow suit.

British holidaymakers should also be aware that there will be additional paperwork for anyone planning to travel to Spain. Tourists will be asked to provide more detailed personal information when hiring a car or registering for a hotel stay.

The rule imposed last year received backlash; however, it was introduced by Spain’s interior ministry to help police track criminals in the country.