Barcelona bans short-term rentals by 2028, raising costs

Spain's top court has supported Barcelona's plan to ban all short-term rentals by 2028. This decision is a major setback for companies like Airbnb and Vrbo. Last year, Spain welcomed 94 million visitors, making it the second-most-visited country in the world after France. Barcelona is especially popular, ranking just behind Madrid. The ruling comes after years of rising housing costs in the city. In 2023, the Catalonia region allowed towns to restrict short-term rentals. Last summer, Barcelona's mayor announced that thousands of rental licenses would be revoked by 2028. While this change is still three years away, many believe it will happen. The increase in rental costs could make trips to Barcelona much more expensive. With the current ban on new hotels in the city center, existing hotels might raise their prices significantly. This could deter some travelers, but it remains uncertain how high prices can go before people stop visiting. Tourism is crucial for Barcelona's economy, supporting many local businesses. However, day-trippers could become a problem. Spain's efficient train system allows easy travel from cities like Madrid, making it affordable for short visits. Day-trippers often do not spend as much as overnight tourists, which could harm the local economy in the long run.