The Valencia City Council has recently approved a second-to-last moratorium in Spanish cities to halt the rising number of tourist flats. The measure, proposed by Mayor María José Catalá, includes a one-year suspension of licenses, with the possibility of extending it for another year. This is the first step in controlling the growth of mass tourism in Valencia, where commercial premises are on the rise.
The next measure scheduled for implementation in 2026 is a ban on mega cruise ships docking in the Port of Valencia. This decision has already garnered criticism from the business lobby, led by shipping company Vicente Boluda. However, the moratorium on tourist apartments follows controversy, as various associations have requested legal security for accommodations and projects already in place. Currently, there are 10,854 tourist homes in Valencia.
The aim of the Valencia City Council is to promote quality and sustainable tourism while regulating growth. This move comes as a response to rejection of a tourist tax and demand for airport expansion. Housing prices in Valencia have surged by 72% since 2019, putting pressure on the housing market and leading to social unrest. Other Spanish regions such as the Balearic Islands are also taking steps to address vacation rentals and illegal accommodations issues similar measures are being considered in cities like Palma and Málaga to address challenges posed by mass tourism and vacation rentals.
In addition to this, other regions such as Seville have put regulations on limiting tourist apartments especially in areas where they negatively impact neighborhoods similarly measures are being considered in cities like Cádiz and Granada to address these issues. The Generalitat de Catalonia recently approved a law addressing rental housing issues and ensuring housing rights for residents which is part of broader strategy to regulate tourism sector and promote sustainable development other regions
