Spain's new 3-year 'tourist ban' as country introduces new restrictions

It follows similar rules established in Alicante and Madrid last year, with Barcelona and Seville also set to follow. The measure was introduced in response to outcry from citizens, who decry the tourism boom that has priced them out of the housing market.

Malaga has banned the registration of holiday rentals across 43 districts, a measure widely referred to as a 'tourist ban'. However, it's designed to target those renting out properties rather than those seeking to rent.

Malaga City Council and Costa del Sol is launching the bid to put an end to the emergence of rental properties in the most congested districts in the city, where as much as 8% residential blocks in a given district make up rental houses, reports Cork Beo.

Ban in Malaga city is expected to last more than three years. Is this ban going to shut down booking of Airbnbs and hotels in Spain?

However, tourists will still be able to book accommodation.

You can continue to book Airbnbs, hotels and other accommodations across Malaga and all 43 of its affected districts. This includes the already 13,000 holiday rentals officially registered by Malaga city.

Your favourite holiday resort or Airbnb in Málaga is probably safe. However, tourist flats registered since 22 February that do not possess independent access and resources separate from the residential section of buildings will have their licenses cancelled.

Unrelated to the suspension of rental property registrations, tourists should expect to provide more detailed personal information (including bank card details, family relationships and home addresses) when registering a car for hire or hotel stay. This measure, which came into effect late last year and received widespread criticism, was introduced by Spain's interior ministry as an attempt to help police track criminals operating in Spain.