Spain, a top holiday destination for Irish travellers, is tightening tourism regulations as concerns over over-tourism and housing pressures grow.
Around 2.5 million Irish visitors flock to Spain yearly, but new rules and restrictions could impact future trips.
Crackdown on Holiday Rentals and Pub Crawls
In response to rising visitor numbers and local protests, authorities are cracking down on holiday rentals and pub crawls in popular tourist hotspots. Barcelona, which welcomed a record 11.7 million tourists in 2024, will ban pub crawls from June to curb antisocial behaviour.
The ban prohibits organised drinking tours between 7 pm and 7 am, with €900 fines for promoters advertising such events.
Additionally, short-term tourist apartment rentals in Barcelona will be phased out by 2028 as authorities respond to rising property prices and housing shortages. Other cities, including Malaga and Mallorca, have already begun enforcing similar restrictions.
Spanish Government Responds to Housing Crisis
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has vowed to prioritise residential housing over speculative tourist use, stating:
“The government’s duty is to prioritise residential use of housing and prevent speculative and touristic uses from expanding in a totally uncontrolled manner at the cost of residents.”
Balearic Islands Tighten Tourist Controls
The Balearic Islands, which saw a record-breaking 18 million visitors in 2024, are set to introduce stricter controls ahead of the peak summer season.
Balearic President Marga Prohens has confirmed that new laws will be implemented by February to tackle tourist congestion, with support from opposition parties.
Authorities are considering a tourism tax on overnight stays, increased police powers to target illegal holiday lets, and potential airport arrival limits.
Additional taxes may also be introduced on specific tourist hotspots and activities to prevent overcrowding in popular areas.
Other Measures Already in Place
Some Spanish regions have already introduced new tourism policies. Tenerife has capped the number of visitors allowed into its national parks, while Mallorca has restricted the number of cruise ships permitted to dock.
Meanwhile, a Spanish law enacted last year requires visitors to provide additional personal information when booking hotels or car rentals.
With these changes, travellers heading to Spain in 2024 and beyond may need to prepare for higher costs, stricter rules, and a changing tourism landscape.
