The Canary Islands, one of the key pillars of tourism in Spain, are leading a crucial transformation in the way the tourism sector is managed and regulated. The recent approval of the Law on Tourist Municipalities, along with the implementation of a national registration system for controlling tourist flows and new regulations focused on vacation rentals, reflects a coordinated effort to address the complex dynamics of modern tourism, balancing economic development with sustainability and the quality of life of residents.
The Law on Tourist Municipalities, approved by the Canary Islands Parliament, establishes a specific regulatory framework for areas with high visitor numbers. This legislation defines clear and technical criteria for a municipality to be designated as "tourist." Among these requirements are: an annual tourist population at least five times higher than the resident population, a minimum accommodation capacity of 4,000 officially registered beds, and at least 10% of accommodations belonging to the luxury category (five stars or equivalent). These conditions aim to ensure that only municipalities with significant economic dependence on tourism can qualify, enabling precise and tailored regulation.
The law also introduces flexibility for the “green islands” – La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro – where tourist flows are lower but equally vital for their economy. In these cases, municipalities only need to meet one of the main requirements and present a report demonstrating the importance of tourism in their economic fabric. Additionally, the possibility of adapting public services, such as waste management, security, and transportation, to the specific pressure exerted by the floating population of tourists is included. According to Astrid Pérez, President of the Canary Islands Parliament, this law not only seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of the Canary Islands as a quality destination but also serves as an example of collaboration between administrations and public sectors, aimed at preserving the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.
At the national level, the Spanish government has implemented the SES.HOSPEDAJES system, which, starting October 1, 2024, requires all tourist accommodations – including those dedicated to vacation rentals – to register and digitally send information about their guests. This system aims to centralize data on tourist flows to improve security, prevent illicit activities, and provide authorities with statistical tools for more effective policy planning. The data to be collected includes full name, identification document, nationality, and dates of entry and departure. This measure seeks to ensure greater transparency in the sector, especially in the area of vacation rentals, which has grown exponentially in recent years.
However, the implementation of this registration has raised some concerns among small operators in the tourism sector, particularly those managing properties for vacation rentals. Many fear that mandatory digitization and new administrative processes will pose an additional burden in terms of time and costs. To mitigate these issues, the government has launched an intuitive platform accompanied by training campaigns to facilitate its use. Additionally, an initial adaptation period has been established to allow operators to adjust to the system without facing immediate sanctions.
In the context of vacation rentals, the Spanish government has also introduced new regulations aimed at regulating the market and reducing its impact on urban fabric and access to housing for local residents. Digital platforms like Airbnb are now required to verify that listed properties have valid tourist licenses. This approach seeks to curb the proliferation of irregular accommodations and ensure that properties used for vacation rentals operate within the legal framework. Moreover, greater autonomy is granted to local councils to regulate the sector based on local needs, including the possibility of limiting the number of licenses issued in areas with high tourist pressure. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid have already begun to apply restrictions in specific zones to protect residents from the negative effects of mass tourism.
Airbnb has expressed concerns about these measures, arguing that they could disproportionately impact small property owners who depend on vacation rentals as a source of additional income. According to the platform, experience in other countries has shown that strict regulations can lead to increased housing prices and a contraction in the available supply. However, the government defends these regulations as essential for balancing the interests of the tourism sector with the needs of local communities.