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THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT HAS ORDERED AIRBNB TO REMOVE THOUSANDS OF RENTAL LISTINGS FROM ITS PLATFORM 13:51, 20 May 2025Updated 13:52, 20 May 2025 Spain is the most popular holiday spot for

Brits, with a staggering 18 million visiting in 2023 alone, according to the Office for National Statistics. Yet this trend may shift due to increased regulatory measures on tourist

accommodations. The Spanish government has ordered Airbnb to withdraw 65,935 listings that failed to comply with local laws. The country's consumer rights ministry cited discrepancies

in records and a lack of proper licences as grounds for the removals. Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy expressed his determination to tackle the widespread "lack of

control" and "illegality" within the holiday letting sector. The changes he wants to implement primarily affect the supply of short-term rentals, not the ability of tourists

to visit Spain. While tourists might need to adapt their planning and potentially pay more for accommodation, the new regulations are not a "tourist ban" and will not stop people

from visiting the country. Bustinduy declared: "No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country." He also pointed out

that numerous flats associated with these advertisements were once residences for families, students, and workers who have since been "kicked out of their neighbourhoods. Article

continues below "They see how their cities are becoming theme parks just for the gains of a few investment funds and large companies," Bustinduy told media outlets. Airbnb, through

a spokesperson, has announced plans to contest the order, challenging the ministry's legislative power over short-term lettings and has called for an "evidence-based list" of

the implicated properties. In a formal statement, the ministry revealed that Madrid's High Court has already passed judgement on an initial complaint and has called for the immediate

removal of approximately 5,800 adverts from the housing platform. These adverts refer to flats in popular holiday destinations such as Madrid, Catalonia, Andalusia, the Valencian region, the

Balearic Islands, and the Basque Country. As of November 2024, Spain had around 321,000 properties listed as holiday rentals, a trend that has seen a significant increase in popularity,

much to the dismay of local inhabitants. _FOR OUR FREE DAILY BRIEFING ON THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING THE NATION,__ SIGN UP TO THE WALES MATTERS NEWSLETTER HERE_ The issue of housing in Spain

continues to be problematic as the rate of construction has not been able to meet the demand. Over the past few years, resentment towards over tourism has reached boiling point, with

protests against tourists becoming a common sight. Just last weekend, thousands took to the streets in the Canary Islands to protest against mass tourism, calling on authorities to limit

visitor numbers and provide more protection for locals against skyrocketing housing costs. Local authorities have started to take action, with Barcelona's mayor, Jaume Collboni,

promising that by November 2028, Barcelona will revoke the licences of the 10,101 flats currently approved for short-term rentals. Article continues below