To encourage a more sustainable approach to tourism, the Spanish city of San Sebastian intends to outlaw the development of new hotels and vacation rentals. It is possible that this measure will be implemented as early as next year.

Not just San Sebastian is acting in this way. As part of its attempts to control tourism, Palma de Mallorca, another Spanish city, banned Airbnb in 2018. Other European destinations have since implemented similar policies.

San Sebastian has a captivating charm that draws visitors due to the ancient Basque culture’s enduring influence.

Eneko Goia, the mayor of San Sebastian, clarified that some parts of the city will be deemed “saturated,” pointing out that there is currently an abundance of lodging options for tourists. Although this measure won’t have an impact on already-existing hotels, it is anticipated that higher demand will drive up room prices in the city center.

A city official named Etxebeste went on to say that these plans might unintentionally make overcrowding worse, which would be an unanticipated side effect.

The decision was taken in reaction to the high ratio of tourists to locals in San Sebastian—ten visitors for every 100 residents—despite the fact that tourism greatly boosts the city’s economy. A decrease in the standard of local food and culture is among the negative consequences of the tourist inflow, according to The General Urban Planning Plan.

The city’s bridges and landmarks are adorned with anti-tourism graffiti that reads “go home,” suggesting that the city’s residents are becoming more and more jaded with the constant stream of tourists.

Although officials have stressed that the new initiative is not a total ban on tourism, it is anticipated to significantly improve the quality of life for the city’s citizens. Rather, it is consistent with the policy that has been in place since 2017, which aims to build an authentic city that attracts tourists while providing a high standard of living for its citizens.