Spain’s crisis deepens as popular city plans power cuts to tackle overtourism

Valencia is taking action against illegal holiday rentals by cutting off their power and water to tackle overtourism.

Valencia, Spain, is stepping up efforts to control overtourism by shutting off electricity and water to unlicensed short-term holiday rentals.

Mayor María José Catalá has enforced strict measures, saying the rise in holiday rentals is hurting locals by pushing up rent, forcing residents out, and favouring tourist-focused businesses over local ones.

Catalá explained that illegal tourist rentals put a strain on the city’s resources, with high water and electricity use affecting permanent residents.

She also highlighted an imbalance in public services, which are now more geared towards tourists rather than locals.

This crackdown is part of a bigger plan to fight overtourism, a problem faced by many popular European cities.

Catalá has requested the authority to fine landlords up to €600,000 if they break the new rules.

The city has already boosted inspections of tourist rentals by 454% this year, with 449 cases of illegal lets and the shutdown of 278 properties.

Valencia is following Seville’s example, another Spanish city that recently started cutting off water to unlicensed tourist rentals.

Seville’s council has already disconnected water from six illegal rentals, setting an example for Valencia’s new approach.

Alongside limiting holiday rentals, Valencia is also thinking about new rules for cruise ships docking in the city.

Mayor Catalá has suggested restricting mega-cruise ships to reduce both environmental and social impacts.

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