A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS) has unveiled a strong sentiment among Spaniards in favor of limiting the number of tourist apartments, particularly on popular islands. This move could significantly impact UK tourists who frequent these European destinations. The survey, conducted between July 18 and July 26, found that 76.3% of Spaniards support capping the number of tourist apartments and regulating the issuance of licenses, including those in the Canary Islands like Tenerife and Lanzarote. This widespread support highlights growing concerns about the impact of the booming short-term rental market, which now boasts over 350,000 tourist apartments nationwide, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The surge in short-term rentals has been linked to significant housing shortages and increased prices, prompting calls for a moratorium on new vacation rental licenses in popular regions like the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Barcelona. Regional governments and local authorities have already begun implementing restrictions on short-term rentals, and the central government is now joining these efforts. The Cabildos of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria are spearheading this push to address the pressing issues related to the rise of short-term rentals. While the focus is on regulating tourist apartments, the survey also revealed interesting insights into the holiday preferences of Spaniards. A majority of respondents (50.3%) prefer beach holidays, with 31.3% favoring coastal towns and 19% opting for coastal cities. In terms of accommodation, nearly half of the respondents (45.2%) prefer staying in hotels or aparthotels. Short-term rentals and holiday homes are chosen by 12.5% of respondents, while 12.2% stay with family or friends, and only 10.8% use their own second homes. This shift in sentiment toward stricter controls on tourist apartments is likely to have a significant impact on UK holidaymakers, as these destinations remain popular choices for British travelers. The decision to limit the number of tourist apartments could potentially lead to higher prices for available rentals and make it more difficult for UK tourists to secure accommodations in these areas. It remains to be seen how this policy change will unfold and what long-term implications it will have for both the tourism industry and the local communities in Spain.
Spaniards Overwhelmingly Support Limiting Tourist Apartments, Impacting UK Holidaymakers
