Spain is facing a growing challenge with the rise of holiday rentals, particularly through platforms like Airbnb. According to a recent map created by the portal El Orden Mundial (EOM), based on Eurostat data, Andalucía has emerged as the European region with the highest number of overnight stays in vacation rentals, recording over 30 million in 2023.
This places the region ahead of other popular destinations, including the Croatian coast. In addition to Andalucía, the Canary Islands and Catalonia also rank among the top five regions in the European Union with the most vacation rental stays, each surpassing 22 million overnight stays in 2023. These figures put them on par with the Île-de-France region, home to Paris. The data highlights the Mediterranean coast as a prime destination for tourists using Airbnb and similar platforms, with Spain leading the charge.
The rise of vacation rentals and its consequences
Airbnb, which started in 2008 as a platform for homeowners to rent out spare rooms to cover mortgage costs during a global economic crisis, has since evolved into a major player in the holiday rental market. While this has allowed millions of tourists to find affordable accommodation, it has also contributed to significant issues such as gentrification and real estate speculation in several Spanish cities. The popularity of these platforms has led to an increase in property prices and a surge in vacation rentals, often at the expense of local residents.
The trend of vacation rentals is on the rise across Europe. In 2023, Eurostat recorded 719 million bookings in tourist accommodations within the European Union, accounting for a quarter of all reservations. The first quarter of 2024 saw a 28% increase in bookings compared to the same period in the previous year.
A growing concern for locals
The influx of tourists opting for vacation rentals has led to increasing discontent among local residents in cities with a high concentration of tourist accommodations. The rising cost of living, coupled with the inconvenience and disturbances caused by short-term visitors, has prompted many locals to voice their concerns.
Barcelona, for instance, has already implemented a plan to phase out tourist apartments by 2029 in response to these challenges. The data from the EOM map underscores the popularity of Mediterranean coastal destinations, but also highlights the expansion of this trend into northern European regions, such as Poland.
As Spain continues to grapple with the impact of vacation rentals, the need for balanced regulation and sustainable tourism practices becomes increasingly important. The situation in Andalucía, the Canary Islands, and Catalonia serves as a clear indicator of the broader challenges facing the country as it navigates the complexities of the modern holiday rental market.
Also read: Airbnb warns hosts not to advertise swimming pools due to drought restrictions