A recent move has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry. Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni announced a plan to eliminate all short-term rental apartments for tourists by 2028. This decision, made on June 21, 2024, transforms the city’s approach to managing tourism and addressing the housing crisis that has gripped the Catalan capital in recent years.

The Housing Crisis Catalyst

The main issue is Barcelona’s soaring cost of living. 

 

Over the past decade, residents have faced a sharp increase in housing expenses, with rent prices soaring nearly 70% and home purchase costs rising almost 40%. This surge has made it difficult for locals, especially young people, to afford housing within the city limits.

 

Mayor Collboni underscored the severity of the issue during a City Council meeting, stating, “We cannot permit that the majority of young people who wish to leave their family homes also have to leave Barcelona.”  

 

In addition to addressing housing concerns, the ban has profound implications for the city’s tourism industry and economy. Barcelona welcomed over 32 million visitors in 2023 and has long grappled with the dual impact of tourism. While the tourism industry brings substantial economic benefits, it has also contributed to overcrowding, environmental strain, and a sense of displacement among locals.

Tourism's Double-Edged Sword

Tourism has been both a blessing and a curse for Barcelona. In 2023, Spain welcomed over 85 million international visitors, surpassing its pre-pandemic record of 83 million in 2019, with Catalonia, and especially Barcelona, as its crown jewel.


While this influx of tourists has boosted the local economy, it has also contributed to overtourism. The proliferation of short-term rental apartments, often facilitated by Barcelona Airbnb platforms, has exacerbated the housing shortage and increased prices in popular neighborhoods.

A History of Regulation

Barcelona’s battle against uncontrolled tourism is not new. Since 2012, “tourist licenses” for short-term apartment rentals in Barcelona have been required for stays lasting less than 31 days. In 2023, authorities tightened regulations further by limiting licenses to a maximum of ten tourist apartments per 100 inhabitants and mandating license renewals every five years.


These measures brought some results. Since 2016, the city has shut down 9,700 illegal tourist rentals and converted nearly 3,500 apartments back into housing for local residents. However, the persistence of the housing crisis prompted the local government to take more decisive action.

The 2028 Ban as A Controversial Solution

The recently announced plan aims to eliminate all 10,101 licensed tourist apartments in Barcelona by November 2028. This ban has caught many in the tourism sector by surprise and is expected to face significant legal challenges.

 

Industry experts predict a “bloody judicial war” as various stakeholders, including the employers’ association of Barcelona’s tourist apartments, prepare to oppose the measure. The absence of an official statement from Airbnb, a major player in the short-term rental market, adds uncertainties surrounding the ban’s implementation and potential consequences.

Addressing Tourism Growth and Local Community Needs

Barcelona’s move reflects a broader global trend in which popular tourist destinations prioritize the needs of local residents over short-term tourism gains, sparking questions about whether Airbnb will be banned in Barcelona. Cities worldwide are grappling with similar issues, striving to balance visitor attraction with the affordability and well-being of their residents.

 

The ban on tourist rental apartments is a pivotal element in Barcelona’s strategy to tackle its housing crisis and manage over-tourism. Other measures under consideration include more stringent regulations on new hotel construction and initiatives promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Potential Impacts and Challenges

While the ban addresses housing pressures, it raises concerns about potential economic impacts. Barcelona’s tourism industry, a significant contributor to its economy, may face an adjustment as the city moves away from short-term rentals.

 

Local authorities will require significant resources and coordination to ensure compliance, manage to convert existing tourist apartments into long-term housing and address potential loopholes.

 

As Barcelona implements this plan, it has garnered global attention. The development has also sparked local interest and is a topic of discussion in U.S. travel news.

 

Regardless of the outcome, Barcelona’s efforts underscore the importance of sustainable tourism, affordable housing, and balancing accommodating visitors and preserving the local community.