Jet2 chief urges Spain to continue clampdown on unlicensed tourism

Jet2 chief Steve Heapy has called on Spain to continue its clampdown on unlicensed tourist accommodation.

 

Heapy suggested that a key reason for last year’s overtourism protests was a growth in unlicensed tourism, which he said had led to unpredictability when it came to the number of visitor arrivals, as well as travellers staying in non-tourist areas and putting strain on local services.

 

A further drawback of unlicensed tourism is that destinations are missing out on the tourist taxes they have imposed, he said.

 

He encouraged destinations to ensure rules were in place and enforced, adding: “Airbnb can be controlled – it doesn’t rule the world.”

 

Benidorm mayor Antonio Perez said authorities in Costa Blanca had stepped up efforts to carry out investigations into potential unlicensed accommodation, with fines imposed where required.

 

“We can inspect accommodation and enforce the parameters we need to,” he said.

 

He added: “We want to generate that sense of assurance for people, making them know that they come to us and they’re going to be safe.”

 

Salou mayor Pere Granados said a bill was being developed on the regulation of private rentals in Catalonia.

 

He said the consensus was that private rentals help the local economy but properties need to be regulated.

 

“Some families want to go to a flat because they don’t want to share with 400 people in a hotel at breakfast time,” he added.

The contributions were made during an event hosted by the Spanish embassy in London on May 7.