Spain tourist ban: 43 districts of Malaga city, popular Brit holiday destination, launch ban on new holiday rentals to curb mass tourism

Some 43 areas in Costa del Sol are tightening controls in the wake of major protests from locals in popular spots over the impact of mass tourism. Discontent has been growing among permanent residents for a while over issues such as housing shortages and the environment.

It has led to dozens of authorities in popular resorts bringing in a ban on new holiday rentals being registered. The veto is currently in place in 43 districts of Costa del Sol's capital, Malaga city - an area that is popular with British holidaymakers.

Officials in the city approved the measures in December, which came into effect on Tuesday (14 January). They are due to stay in place for three years, putting a cap on the amount of accommodation available for tourists, although it's expected it will be extended.

Now no new tourist accommodation can be registered in 43 most crowded areas of the city, including the historic centre, El Ejido, La Merced and dozens more districts. It's thought neighbouring countries France and Portugal could also follow suit if the scheme proves successful, with concerns among their populations too over mass tourism.

Limits approved by Malaga's local council last June will also remain in force, meaning that tourist flats registered since February 22 that do not have access and supplies separate from the residential section of the building in which they're based will have their licences cancelled. In the city, 13,000 holiday rentals are already officially registered, according to Sur in English.

In June last year, Barcelona's mayor announced plans to ban all tourist apartments by November 2028. Alicante has imposed a two-year ban on new licences for short-term holiday rentals in order to address concerns over mass tourism and housing supplies.