The Canary Islands, a popular destination for British tourists seeking winter sun, have passed new legislation that may impact access to accommodations during peak seasons. The recent approval of the bill by the Canary Islands Parliament comes after more than two years of discussions and has faced criticism from holiday rental businesses and local authorities tasked with enforcement.
ASCAV, representing holiday rental owners in the Canaries, expressed concerns over the new regulations, labeling it a “black day” for the industry. The changes are expected to particularly affect small-scale rentals, potentially limiting choices for visitors to the islands.
Under the new laws, holiday rentals will now be classified as businesses, subject to stringent regulations on operations and locations. Local councils have been given a five-year timeframe to designate permissible rental areas and ensure compliance with set criteria. Additionally, minimum standards for holiday properties, including size and age requirements, have been introduced.
To address housing challenges, councils are mandated to reserve a percentage of housing for residents, with higher quotas in tourist-heavy zones. Licenses for new holiday rentals in areas facing demographic pressures from tourism will be halted temporarily. Renewals for tourist-rental licenses will be required every five to ten years, posing challenges for existing license holders in areas with housing shortages.
While the changes grant more authority to local councils, critics argue that enforcing the new rules will burden authorities with additional responsibilities, particularly in ensuring adherence to health and safety standards. Authorities have a limited window to devise plans for overseeing the implementation of the regulations.
The amendments follow years of protests in the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, with activists urging tourists to reconsider visiting destinations like Tenerife. Despite the unrest, the islands experienced a surge in tourist numbers over the summer months.
