End of Tourist Apartments in Barcelona? Everything you need to know
The recent statement by Barcelona's mayor, Jaume Collboni, about the intention to eliminate the city’s 10,000 tourist apartments by 2029 has sparked intense controversy. Some have praised this move as a bold step in addressing housing issues, while others see it as a "death sentence" for the tourism sector. The decision has triggered a wave of reactions in the media and among associations of property owners and tourism industry entrepreneurs.
Answering Your Questions
To address the most common concerns about this situation, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
- Why does Barcelona want to eliminate tourist apartments?
The elimination is proposed as a response to housing problems and tourist overcrowding in certain areas of the city. The local government believes that reducing tourist apartments could free up more housing for residents.
- What impact will the elimination of tourist apartments have on the local economy?
According to APARTUR estimates, Barcelona could lose up to €1.2 billion annually due to reduced income not only from the tourist apartment sector but also from commerce and restaurants, which heavily rely on tourism.
- How will this measure affect the owners of tourist apartments?
Owners will see their licenses revoked, which could be considered expropriation without compensation. APARTUR has already filed a constitutional appeal against the decree regulating tourist housing.
- What alternatives are proposed for tourists visiting Barcelona?
Alternatives include hotels and other regulated accommodations. However, demand for tourist apartments is expected to remain high, potentially leading to an increase in illegal apartments if not properly managed.
- How has the ban on tourist apartments affected other cities?
A comparison with New York shows that the ban led to an increase in uncontrolled illegal apartments. Enrique Alcántara warns that a similar scenario could occur in Barcelona if current licenses are revoked.
The Future of Tourist Apartments in Barcelona
Enrique Alcántara, CEO of Stay Unique and president of the Association of Tourist Apartments of Barcelona (APARTUR), advocates for fair and effective tourism regulation rather than the total elimination of tourist apartments. Enrique argues, “We shouldn’t fight against tourism; it’s what sustains us, both in Spain generally and Barcelona specifically.” He proposes promoting areas outside the city center to better distribute tourist flow and avoid concentration in critical spots like the Sagrada Familia or La Boqueria.
Opinions of Enrique Alcántara, CEO of Stay Unique
Enrique Alcántara, CEO of Stay Unique and president of APARTUR, has been a prominent voice in this debate. In various interviews and statements, Enrique has criticized the lack of dialogue from the city council and highlighted the negative impact this measure could have on Barcelona's economy. “With the closure of tourist apartments, Barcelona would lose €1.2 billion every year,” Enrique stated, emphasizing not only the loss of direct income from the tourist apartment sector but also the domino effect on commerce and restaurants.
Enrique has lamented that Mayor Collboni has not agreed to meet with APARTUR to discuss the situation and explore joint solutions. “We haven’t been able to meet with him all year. He hasn’t given us an appointment,” he mentioned. Furthermore, Enrique questions the logic of blaming tourism for housing problems, suggesting that the solution should focus on more comprehensive and realistic measures that do not harm a vital sector of the local economy.
Services We Offer at Stay Unique
At Stay Unique, we specialize in managing tourist properties, offering comprehensive solutions for both property owners and tourists. Our focus on professionalizing the sector and promoting fair regulation has positioned us as leaders in tourist accommodation in Barcelona.
For more information on how we can help you manage your tourist property, feel free to contact us at +34 727 752 768 or email info@stay-u-nique.com. We are here to assist you with anything you need.
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We organized our first Summer Meetup for property owners in the city of Málaga, which was an outstanding success. Aiming to enhance our relationships with clients and continue striving for excellence in the tourism sector, we enjoyed a wonderful gathering at the Thyssen Museum.
At Stay Unique, we have always valued the importance of care and commitment from property owners towards their guests and local communities. This event was the perfect opportunity to reinforce this concept, emphasizing the shared responsibility of providing exceptional experiences to our visitors.
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