A summer of intensive controls
During the first half of July, Barcelona has carried out a series of inspections that have revealed the presence of 75 tourist homes without authorization. This action is part of a wider effort to combat illegal activities in the tourism sector.
Immediate actions against violations
Of the assessed properties, 8 have been sealed off, while procedures have been initiated to impose fines ranging between 60,000 and 600,000 euros. The authorities are determined to apply severe penalties as part of their zero tolerance policy.
A diverse landscape of offenses
In the analysis of the 134 inspected accommodations, it was determined that 16 were no longer operating, 23 were not accessible for inspection, and in 20 there were no tourists present during the inspectors’ visit.
Inter-institutional collaboration
The deputy mayor of Urbanism, Laia Bonet, has stressed the importance of collaboration between various agencies, including the Urban Guard and the Mossos d’Esquadra, to manage this problem effectively.
Mafias and organized networks
According to Bonet, many of the apartments inspected are linked to international criminal networks that operate on a massive scale. Of the 38 networks identified, 22 have been dismantled, which demonstrates the firmness of the tough actions against these operatives.
Evolution of the market for tourist flats
The evolution of the tourist flats market in Barcelona is remarkable. If around 6,000 illegal accommodations were detected in 2016, currently the number of unlicensed ads has dropped to between 300 and 400 per month.
Commitment to legality
Bonet has reaffirmed the City Council’s commitment to legality in the tourism sector, insisting that actions against illegal accommodation will continue with rigor and determination. The authorities plan to increase the resources for these inspections in 2025, with the aim of consolidating a city where tourism is sustainable and respectful of the neighbors.
