Thousands of people in Spain took to the streets of Madrid on Sunday to protest against the increasing unaffordability of housing, driven by tourism. Frustrated locals feel they are being priced out of the market as rental prices soar beyond their means.
Marching under the banner “Housing is a right, not a business”, the residents demanded lower housing rental rates and improved living conditions. An estimated 12,000 individuals participated in the demonstration, highlighting the growing discontent among Spaniards grappling with the impact of tourism on their everyday lives.
Spain, the world’s second-most visited country after France, is expecting a record 95 million visitors this year, double its population. The influx of tourists has led to a surge in housing costs, making it increasingly difficult for locals to find affordable accommodation within cities. Blanca Prieto, a 33-year-old nurse, expressed the sentiment shared by many, stating, “Spaniards cannot live in their own cities. They are forcing us out of the cities. The government has to regulate prices, regulate housing.”
In response to escalating tensions, the Spanish government announced measures in July to tackle short-term and seasonal holiday lettings. Online platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com are under scrutiny to ensure compliance with licensing regulations, as the authorities grapple with the challenge of balancing tourism promotion with housing affordability concerns.
The situation has sparked a delicate balancing act for Spain, as it aims to sustain its tourism-driven economy while addressing the grievances of its citizens facing exorbitant rents due to gentrification and property owners favouring lucrative tourist rentals. The government has signalled support for the development of luxury hotels while cracking down on the proliferation of holiday rentals, a move aimed at reshaping the tourism landscape.
In cities like Barcelona and Tenerife, bans and stricter regulations on tourist apartments have been introduced to curb the influx of holiday rentals, following protests by locals over skyrocketing accommodation costs and overcrowded streets. Alongside the housing crisis, protesters in Barcelona also voiced opposition to the America’s Cup yachting race, citing concerns about rising rental prices and excessive tourism inflows.
Residents in the Canary Islands and Malaga have similarly raised alarm over the surge in tourist rentals, affecting seasonal workers’ access to affordable housing. Many workers have been left with no choice but to live in caravans or cars due to the scarcity of lodgings in these popular tourist destinations. The ongoing demonstrations underscore the growing discontent among locals as they grapple with the challenges posed by the tourism industry’s expansion in Spain.