A growing number of Spanish sun-and-beach destinations are waking up to the reality that booming tourist rentals are fuelling a housing crisis for locals—but many still aren’t doing much about it.
According to the second Observatorio de Turismo Sostenible en España (Sustainable Tourism Observatory in Spain), 61% of surveyed destinations have identified a clear link between the rise of holiday rentals (VUTs) and deteriorating access to housing for permanent residents. Yet 35% of those municipalities currently have no plans to regulate this market.
Tourism growth without housing policy: a recipe for tension
The findings are based on responses from 131 municipalities across Spain—including rural, inland urban, and coastal destinations—and paint a mixed picture of how local authorities are handling the transition toward more sustainable, inclusive tourism models.
While nearly two-thirds (63%) of destinations now have their own technical teams to manage tourism planning, and many are making progress on sustainability, the report also highlights serious weaknesses. Top among them: unchecked tourist rental growth, housing access problems, seasonal overdependence, and—in the case of rural or inland destinations—limited diversification.
Only 14% of the municipalities surveyed have so far introduced specific regulations for tourist rentals. Another 26% are studying the issue, while the remaining 35% still haven’t considered any type of intervention. This comes at a time when social pressure is building in overheated housing markets.
The report’s authors argue that housing policy and urban planning must be integrated into tourism strategies. If not, tourist rental growth will continue to stoke tensions between residents and visitors—and undermine the long-term viability of the tourism model itself.
Beyond regulation: measuring and managing tourism’s footprint
The study also explores how destinations are tracking the impact of tourism. Most rely on indicators related to visitor satisfaction, local economic and social effects, and the strength of collaboration between local stakeholders. Many are now using hybrid tools that combine traditional monitoring with digital technologies for a more accurate picture.
To bolster their sustainability credentials, many destinations are also pursuing certification. Over half (55%) are part of Spain’s SICTED programme, 45% have signed up to the “Intelligent Tourist Destination” (DTI) scheme, and 34% hold the Q de Calidad Turística mark.
Progress is also being made in accessibility: 78% of destinations report adapted infrastructure, 58% offer accessible routes, and 57% are developing inclusive tourism resources.
But as the president of Latur, Enrique Navarro, pointed out, “there’s no sustainability without limits to growth.” Unless Spanish tourist hot-spots begin to take housing into account, their attractiveness—to both tourists and residents—will be at risk.
