In a landmark effort to combat unregulated short-term rentals, Ibiza’s local government has announced a partnership with Airbnb to crack down on illegal tourist accommodations. The initiative, described as “historic” and “unprecedented,” was signed on 20 February by the Ibiza’s Island Council, Airbnb, and Ibizan tourist accommodation associations.
The collaboration aims to eliminate holiday rentals that “operate on the margins of legality” while ensuring that all tourist accommodations comply with local regulations.
A milestone in Ibiza’s fight against illegal rentals
Ibiza has long struggled with a booming tourism industry that has driven up property prices and worsened housing shortages for residents. Many unlicensed holiday flats have contributed to this crisis, leading the local government to adopt tougher measures to protect both the community and the tourism sector.
“This agreement is a milestone in the roadmap that we set out more than five years ago to lead a relentless fight against the island’s unregulated [tourist accommodation] supply,” said Vicent Marí, president of the Ibiza’s Island Council.
Administracions i sector hoteler a Eivissa treballen conjuntament amb la plataforma@airbnb_es per liderar un front comú contra l’oferta d’allotjament turístic no reglat a l’illa.
— Consell d'Eivissa (@Consell_Eivissa) February 20, 2025
👇https://t.co/vLZh73e9Qj pic.twitter.com/ZHFgVFTuyi
How the crackdown will work
Under the new rules, Airbnb will remove listings that do not comply with local regulations and require hosts to provide valid registration numbers before listing properties. This move aligns with similar regulatory efforts in other Spanish tourist hotspots, including Barcelona and Mallorca.
The Ibiza’s Island Council has also set up an online portal on its website, allowing residents and visitors to verify whether accommodations, rental companies, and tour guides are legally registered.
Meanwhile, the council has pledged to increase inspections and enforcement efforts, with fines for unlicensed rentals potentially reaching €400,000. Property owners found operating illegally may also face legal action.
Airbnb’s commitment to Responsible Tourism
Airbnb has expressed its support for the initiative, stating that the agreement reflects its commitment to working with local authorities to promote fair and transparent regulations.
A spokesperson for Airbnb said: “We support fair and transparent regulations that allow local families to benefit from tourism while ensuring communities are not negatively impacted. We will continue to work closely with Ibiza’s authorities to enforce these rules.”
Mixed reactions from locals and businesses
The crackdown has received a mixed response from the public. Many Ibiza residents and housing advocates have welcomed the move, hoping it will make long-term housing more accessible and reduce the disruptive effects of over-tourism.
However, some property owners and holiday rental businesses have raised concerns over potential financial losses, arguing that short-term rentals provide an important income stream for local families.
What this means for Ibiza’s future
Ibiza’s tougher stance on unregulated tourist accommodation reflects a wider trend across Europe, where major tourist destinations are tightening controls on short-term rental platforms.
With the summer season fast approaching, the success of this new initiative will be closely monitored by authorities and industry stakeholders. Both Airbnb and Ibiza’s government have indicated they will continue to assess the effectiveness of the agreement and make adjustments if necessary.
For now, the message from Ibiza’s officials is clear: unregulated holiday rentals will no longer be tolerated.
