Spain Cracks Down on Airbnb as Hotels Cash In on Experiences

We’re covering two major stories: Spain’s escalating crackdown on short-term rentals, and new data showing how guest experiences are driving hotel revenue growth like never before.

Spain Orders Airbnb to Remove 65,000 Listings

Spain is tightening the screws on short-term rentals, with the national government ordering Airbnb to delist more than 65,000 holiday properties that allegedly breach compliance rules.

According to the Consumer Rights Ministry, the majority of these listings:

• Lack valid licence numbers

• Or don’t disclose whether the property is owned by a private individual or a company

This move is part of a broader crackdown on STRs across Spain, driven by mounting concerns that vacation rentals are:

• Contributing to affordable housing shortages

• Disrupting long-term rental markets

• Driving up prices in urban centres

Cities like Barcelona have already taken action, announcing plans to ban all short-term rentals by 2029. Additional taxes on holiday rentals are being introduced, and local enforcement is intensifying.

While Airbnb is pushing back, arguing that the order lacks evidence and violates legal precedent, the Spanish courts have supported the government's move, and political momentum for housing reform continues to grow.

What does this mean for STR hosts?
If you operate in Spain or any heavily regulated European market, this is a wake-up call. Ensure your licences, disclosures, and tax compliance are in order—because the tolerance for grey areas is rapidly disappearing.

Experiences Are the New ROI Engine in Hospitality

While STRs in Spain face regulatory headwinds, hotels worldwide are leaning into a more positive trend: experience-first travel.

A new global study by Turneo, which analysed data from 136,000+ hotels, found that properties that invest in curated guest experiences saw some impressive returns:

• Up to 55% increase in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room)

• Lower cancellation rates

• Higher guest satisfaction

• More repeat bookings

Experiences that deliver strong results include:

• Local tours and excursions

• Wellness and spa packages

• Cooking classes, art workshops, and cultural immersions

Turneo’s 15-point “Experience Index” also found that every additional point correlates with over €2,500 in annual RevPAR growth per property.

The message is clear: guests don’t just want a place to stay—they want to feel something. They want to connect, learn, and make memories. This trend applies not only to traditional hotels but also to STR operators looking to differentiate in a competitive, regulation-heavy environment.

Key Takeaways for STR Hosts

• If you’re operating in Spain or other regulated markets, stay fully compliant with licensing, disclosure, and taxation requirements—or risk being removed from platforms altogether.

• Don’t just offer a bed—offer a story. Whether it's a local wine tasting, a surf lesson, or a cooking class, adding curated experiences to your property offering can drive higher revenue, better reviews, and more repeat guests.

• Use platforms like Turneo, Airbnb Experiences, or local partnerships to package these experiences with your stay.