Calpe - Possible limitation of tourist accommodation is being reviewed

The town council of Calpe has now decided to investigate the regulation of this sector in view of the sharp increase in tourist accommodation. Over 1,000 new holiday homes have been registered in the space of a year and a half, bringing the total number to 5,365. This corresponds to around a fifth of the city's total housing stock.

To counteract this development, the city council has set up a technical and political working group. This group is tasked with analysing the situation and developing solutions for regulating tourist accommodation within the scope of municipal responsibilities. Various aspects will be taken into account:

•     Analysing the housing market: Examining the tourism housing market and its impact on regular housing solutions.
•     Check changes of use: Review authorised uses in areas where a limit on tourist accommodation could be decided.
•     Regulation of the sector: Promotion of a legally secure regulation to prevent illegal activities and to ensure the accommodation of tourists.

The working commission will also analyse the relationship between tourist flats and other forms of housing such as normal residence, rental flats and social housing.

Background and challenges

There are currently 26,201 properties registered in Calpe, of which 9,839 are used as main residences. Given the fact that a third of the homes not used as main residences are classified as tourist homes, the town council declares the urgency of studying and regulating this sector. This is necessary in order to find a balance between the supply of holiday homes and the need for affordable housing for the population.

Mayor Ana Sala emphasises the importance of tourism for the local economy, but also the need to provide young people and workers with access to housing.

Measures taken by other municipalities

Other municipalities have also taken similar measures. Examples include

    Altea: Has suspended the granting of permits for tourist accommodation until 2025 in order to analyse the situation and find a balance.

    Polop: Also in the process of reviewing and possibly regulating tourist accommodation.

Altea has also held five workshops involving various organisations from the accommodation sector as well as local associations and town councils. The proposed measures will now be presented in a second phase.

Overall, it is clear that the regulation of tourist accommodation in heavily frequented areas is a complex but necessary task in order to ensure the quality of life of residents and at the same time maintain the economic benefits of tourism.