Spain is not implementing a three-year ban on tourism, contrary to popular belief.

Last year in June, a group of demonstrators took to the streets of Barcelona to express their frustration with the increasing number of tourists in Spain. As one of the top holiday destinations in the world, Spain welcomed a record-breaking 94 million visitors, with British tourists being the largest group. While tourism brings in a significant amount of revenue for the country, it has also caused several issues for the locals.

Residents in popular holiday hotspots have been complaining about overcrowding, town centers catering solely to tourists and a lack of affordable housing. As a result, protests have been held across Spain and the Canary Islands, demanding stricter regulations to address these problems. And it seems like the authorities are taking notice. In Malaga, a new law was recently introduced to restrict the number of holiday rentals in crowded areas, giving locals a better chance of finding long-term housing. However, this has been misinterpreted by some as a "tourist ban", when in reality, it only affects the registration of new holiday rentals in certain districts.

To clarify, tourists can still book accommodations as usual, including hotels and Airbnbs. The only rentals that will be affected are those registered after February 2022 and do not have separate resources for permanent residents. These rentals will have their licenses cancelled. Similar measures have been implemented in other cities such as Alicante and Madrid, and more are expected to follow.

Aside from the holiday rental restrictions, there are also other new laws in Spain that tourists should be aware of. Non-EU residents, including those from the UK, will now have to pay 100% tax when buying a property in Spain. This is part of the government's efforts to address the country's housing crisis. Taxes on holiday rentals will also be increased, potentially leading to higher prices for holidaymakers.

Furthermore, there are new measures in place to gather more detailed personal information from visitors. This is to aid the police in tracking down criminals in the country. Finally, if you're planning to visit Benidorm, be aware that there is now a ban on beach access and swimming between 12am and 7am. Those who are caught violating this rule will face hefty fines.

Spain is not the only country that has taken steps to manage the influx of tourists. Last year, Italy introduced a fee for day-trippers visiting Venice, and a limit on the number of people in guided tours of the city and nearby islands. In Seoul, a tourist curfew has been implemented in certain areas, limiting access between 5pm and 10am. And in Japan, a view of Mount Fuji has been blocked by a mesh net to deter unruly tourists.

While these rules may seem strict, they are necessary to preserve the beauty and culture of these popular destinations. So when planning your next holiday, be sure to check for any new regulations and be a responsible tourist.

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