Florence and Tenerife are battling overtourism with innovative solutions. Florence is cracking down on short-term rentals, while Tenerife is banning tourist buses in protected areas. These initiatives highlight a growing global trend towards sustainable and regenerative tourism.
A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of Spaniards favor stricter controls on tourist apartments, particularly on popular islands, impacting UK holidaymakers. This move reflects growing concerns about the impact of the booming short-term rental market on housing affordability and local communities.
Airbnb is calling on New York City to loosen its short-term rental restrictions, arguing that Local Law LL18 has failed to address the housing crisis and has negatively impacted tourism and local businesses. The company claims that the law has led to fewer available rentals, increased travel costs, and fewer options for visitors.
Spain, the world’s second-most visited country, is facing a backlash against mass tourism. To counter this, authorities are encouraging the expansion of luxury hotels while cracking down on short-term rentals. This shift aims to attract high-spending tourists and improve the quality of tourism, but concerns remain about the affordability and benefits for local residents.
The Czech Republic is joining other European countries in limiting tourism, particularly in Prague, by restricting short-term rentals. This move aims to address the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as rising housing costs, noise pollution, and overcrowding, while promoting a more sustainable and balanced tourism model.
Dubai’s short-term rental market is experiencing a significant surge, with demand increasing by 30% compared to last year. This trend is driven by rising tourism and the growing preference for flexible living options. Industry experts highlight the importance of strategic property selection and the potential for high returns for investors.
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii has signed into law SB 2919, granting local governments the authority to oversee short-term rentals. This legislation aims to address the issue of short-term rentals dominating local neighborhoods and restore the availability of affordable housing for essential workers. Counties can now enact regulations and taxation measures on short-term rentals and designate them as non-residential entities for zoning purposes.
A tenant named Melissa Gudgeon, along with six other tenants, have won their case at a provincial tribunal against their landlord, Beni Colalillo. The tenants were facing renoviction from their apartment building at 2322 King St. E. in Hamilton, where they alleged that Colalillo was flipping empty units for short-term rentals. The Landlord and Tenant Board adjudicator dismissed the renoviction request, stating that the landlord’s building permit only included minor repairs and that no contractors were called as witnesses to support the claims of extensive renovations. Gudgeon’s unit still has outstanding issues, including a leaky window and black mold, while she is paying higher rent due to recent above-guideline increases to cover common area upgrades. The decision is significant as it reinforces the requirement for landlords to have a building permit detailing major repairs and renovations when evicting tenants.
Hawaii lawmakers are considering legislation that could give counties authority to phase out short-term rentals, hoping to address the state’s worsening housing crisis. The bills, HB1838 and SB2919, would provide counties with the legal framework to limit such rentals in various ways, potentially freeing up more homes for long-term rentals and easing the financial burden on local residents.
Two bills are advancing in the Hawaii legislature that would give counties the authority to regulate and potentially phase out short-term rentals. Proponents argue that this would alleviate the state’s severe housing crisis, where local residents face skyrocketing costs and homelessness. However, opponents, including homeowners who rent out units and rental platforms, express concerns about financial losses. The bills come amid growing urgency following the Maui wildfires, which displaced thousands of families. If passed, the final decision on phasing out short-term rentals would be up to county officials within a reasonable timeframe.
