Spain attracted a record 94 million tourists last year, making the Southern European nation famous for its Mediterranean coastline, sweeping landscapes and historic cities among the most visited countries on earth.
By The Associated Press. MADRID — Spain attracted a record 94 million tourists last year, making the Southern European nation famous for its Mediterranean coastline, sweeping landscapes and historic cities among the most visited countries on earth.
The surge in visitors has stoked complaints at times from some Spaniards about ''overtourism, '' with concerns about overcrowding, water use and particularly the availability and affordability of housing. Spain's government has started listening to demands for more regulation, particularly around housing in Spain's big cities, where rising home and rental prices have become a key concern for voters. The policy went into effect earlier this month and will be tested for three years.
Meanwhile, Barcelona plans to close down all of its 10, apartments licensed as short-term rentals in the coming years to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents. The Mediterranean city known for its beaches, art and surrealist architecture announced last year that it would not renew any new tourism apartment licenses after they expire in Tourists can book hotel stays and short-term apartment-style rentals just about anywhere in Spain.
Spain is in the throes of a growing housing affordability problem. Skyrocketing rents are particularly acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for young people. Housing prices are also steadily rising, especially in cities and coastal areas.
