Spain Targets Airbnb: 60,000 Listings at Risk Amidst Housing Crisis

Spain Cracks Down on Airbnb: 60,000 Listings Face Removal Amidst Tourism Backlash Spain is grappling with a housing crisis exacerbated by overtourism, leading to a significant crackdown on short-term rentals. The country's Consumer Rights Ministry has initiated legal action to remove approximately 60,000 Airbnb properties from the market. This follows an earlier court ruling ordering the removal of 5,800 listings. The move has garnered considerable support from local residents, who have staged protests against mass tourism and rising living costs. Protesters have been seen carrying signs reading "Tourist Go Home." The video shows scenes of these protests, adding visual weight to the growing tensions. "Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country," stated Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy. This quote underscores the government's determination to address the housing crisis. Airbnb, however, plans to fight the court order. A spokesperson for Airbnb stated that the root cause of the affordable housing crisis in Spain is a lack of supply to meet demand, suggesting that regulating Airbnb alone will not solve the underlying problem. This highlights the complex interplay between tourism, housing affordability, and regulatory action. The situation in Spain reflects a growing global trend. Many governments are realizing that simply regulating platforms like Airbnb doesn't address the core issue of housing scarcity. The ongoing legal battle and the passionate public response make this a significant story with international implications.