L"Alfas del Pi bans new Airbnb licenses to curb tourism

L'Alfas del Pi, a town in the province of Alicante, has decided to impose a two-year suspension on new licenses for Airbnb-style accommodations. This decision was made during a plenary council meeting in response to a significant increase in requests for tourism licenses, which surged from 61 in 2021 to 230 in 2023. The first nine months of 2023 alone have already seen 237 requests, indicating a growing trend in the demand for short-term rentals. The local government, represented by spokesperson Toni Such, has expressed concerns over the rising number of illegal homes and the disturbances caused by these properties in community buildings. The council aims to address these issues by preparing measures to regularize unlicensed properties through new local legislation. This move reflects a broader trend in Spain, where various towns are grappling with the challenges posed by overtourism. In addition to L'Alfas del Pi, other areas such as Villajoyosa, Denia, and Sant d'Alacant are also considering similar measures to manage the impact of tourism on their communities. The decision to suspend new licenses is part of a larger effort to maintain a balance between tourism and the quality of life for local residents. This action follows a recent announcement by Barcelona's mayor, who plans to eliminate existing tourist flat licenses by November 2028 to combat rising rents and public discontent regarding mass tourism. The situation in L'Alfas del Pi highlights the ongoing struggle many Spanish towns face in regulating tourism while ensuring the well-being of their residents.