The Costa del Sol has taken measures to control the number of tourists in overcrowded areas for the first time. The move follows growing dissatisfaction among locals who blame increasing tourist numbers for contributing to housing shortages and forcing prices up.
Malaga, a favourite holiday spot for UK tourists and the capital of Costa del Sol, was among several Spanish destinations where residents protested against mass tourism last summer. In response, the city approved new regulations in December, which took effect on January 14.
The ban on holiday homes in certain areas prohibits the registration of new holiday rentals in 43 districts identified as ‘saturated’ in a recent study. These areas have tourist accommodations exceeding 8 percent of family housing.
The aim is to significantly curb the steady rise in holiday rentals in the city. The ban will be in place for three years, with expectations of an extension.
No new tourist flats can be registered in the city’s 43 most congested areas, including the historic centre, El Ejido, La Merced, and many more districts. Restrictions approved by Malaga’s local council last June will also continue, meaning that tourist flats registered since February 22 without separate access and supplies from the residential section of the building will have their licences cancelled, reports Birmingham Live.
In the city, there are already 13,000 officially registered holiday rentals, as reported by Sur in English. Following Marbella, Malaga reportedly has the second highest volume of holiday rentals.
Last June, Barcelona’s mayor announced plans to ban all tourist apartments by November 2028. Alicante has enforced a two-year ban on new licences for short-term holiday rentals, addressing concerns over mass tourism and housing supplies. The Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and Barcelona have also raised a tourist tax charged to visitors.
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