Ibiza’s government has announced the removal of 2,831 illegal short-term rental listings from Airbnb, amounting to more than 14,500 unlicensed beds. According to Travel Weekly, the action was led by the Balearic Islands’ taskforce for illegal rentals, working in partnership with Airbnb and supported by tourism analytics company Mabrian.
Officials describe the move as a landmark moment in the fight against over-tourism and unregulated accommodation, marking the first time a Spanish region claims to have eliminated its illegal Airbnb stock.
How It Was Done
Using data-driven tools developed by Mabrian, authorities cross-referenced Airbnb listings with official registries, pinpointing hosts without valid licenses. Geolocation technology and host profiling were central to the crackdown.
Margarita Prohens, President of the Balearic Islands Government, confirmed that Airbnb has committed to extending this removal process across the entire Balearic archipelago, with full compliance expected by October.
Wider Impact on Tourism & Residents
The elimination of these listings is expected to significantly impact both visitors and locals:
Tourists: Around 4,900 visitors per day, who might have stayed in illegal rentals, will now be redirected toward registered hotels and licensed accommodations.
Residents: The removal helps to ease pressure on Ibiza’s strained housing market, a critical issue as demand for local housing continues to clash with mass tourism.
Community Balance: Local officials argue that the move restores balance between the island’s tourism economy and quality of life for residents.
National Context: Spain Targets 120,000 Listings
Ibiza’s efforts come as part of a broader national crackdown. In July, Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry announced plans to target 120,000 illegal Airbnb listings across the country. As Reuters reported, around 65,000 listings have already been removed nationwide.
Spain joins a growing list of European destinations, including Amsterdam and Barcelona, that are moving aggressively against unlicensed short-term rentals to combat housing shortages and manage overtourism.
The Road Ahead for Ibiza
While Ibiza’s government has declared victory in clearing its illegal Airbnb market, challenges remain. Authorities acknowledge that some hosts may attempt to re-list under new identities, requiring ongoing monitoring and enforcement.
Still, the milestone underscores a new era of collaboration between government agencies, data firms like Mabrian, and platforms such as Airbnb. If the approach proves sustainable, it may become a model for other Spanish regions, and beyond.
With over 2,800 listings removed and thousands of beds taken offline, Ibiza has drawn a firm line in its battle against unlicensed rentals. Whether this bold move truly reshapes the island’s housing and tourism balance will depend on its ability to sustain enforcement.
Stay tuned to EDMTunes for more updates on how these regulations ripple across European nightlife hubs, from festival destinations to club culture capitals.
