Spain orders Airbnb to remove 65,000 rental listings; they violate regulations

MADRID, May 19 (Reuters) - Spain's consumer rights ministry has ordered Airbnb to remove more than 65,000 holiday rental listings from its platform for violating regulations, Reuters reported.

The Spanish government, along with city and regional authorities, has launched a sweeping crackdown on tourist accommodation offered through online platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Many Spaniards say the platforms generate excessive tourism, reduce housing availability and make it difficult for locals to afford rent.

Most of the blocked Airbnb listings did not include a license number. Others did not indicate whether the owner was a natural or legal person, the ministry said.

Consumer Protection Minister Pablo Bustinduy said his aim was to end the widespread "lack of control" and "illegality" in holiday rentals, to promote housing affordability and protect consumer rights.

Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni took the toughest step yet in Spain last June when he ordered a complete ban on tourist rentals by 2028.

Czech press agency | WT.24