What is the Spain tourist ban and what does it mean for Scots visitors this summer?
Scottish tourists travelling to Spanish holidays destinations this year are set to face a whole host of new restrictions.
In the hope of dealing with overtourism, Spain has introduced bans on the registration of new holiday rental properties in 43 areas. This could see visitors struggling to find accommodation for their holidays..
The ban is designed to target those who plan to rent out their properties as opposed to those seeking to rent. The measure is an attempt by the Malaga City Council and Costa del Sol to put an immediate stop to the rising number of rental properties popping up in the city’s most crowded districts. This is where rental properties make up more than 8% of residential blocks in a specific district.
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In recent months, Spanish locals have been holding major protests in busy areas over tourism. The permanent residents believe tourists buying homes to rent in the country is having a major impact on their lives including housing shortages and the environment.
Spanish officials approved the measures last December, and the laws came into effect on Tuesday, January 14. They're due to stay in place for three years, putting a cap on the amount of accommodation available for tourists.
For the first time, Malaga city, which is the capital of Costa del Sol, will ban the registration of holiday rentals across 43 districts, reports the Mirror. But what does this mean for Brits hoping to visit the city?
Can I still book Airbnbs and hotels in Spain as a British tourist?
Absolutely. Brits will still be able to book Airbnbs, hotels and other accommodations across Malaga and all 43 of its impacted districts. This includes the already 13,000 holiday rentals officially registered by Malaga city.
Your favourite holiday resort or Airbnb in Malaga is likely safe. However, tourist flats registered since February 22 that do not have independent access and resources separate from the residential section of buildings will have their licences cancelled.
Is this ban already in effect anywhere else in Spain?
Alicante and Madrid have introduced similar bans over the past 12 months, with Seville and other Spanish cities expected to follow suit.
The Malaga city ban is also expected to be extended beyond its initial three-year term.
Anything else I should be aware of as a UK tourist in Spain this year?
The main change UK travellers can expect from Spain this year is additional paperwork.
Unrelated to the suspension of rental property registrations, Spanish tourists should expect to provide more detailed personal information (including bank card details, family relationships and home addresses) when registering a car for hire or hotel stay.
This measure, which came into effect late last year and received widespread criticism, was introduced by Spain's interior ministry as an attempt to help police track criminals operating in Spain.
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