The collaboration between the Canary Islands government and the European People's Party (EPP) in Germany is like the CDU, for example, managing tourism regulations, and Airbnb has eliminated more than 10.000 irregular tourist accommodations. This move, in addition to regulating the sector, marginalizes voters in southern Gran Canaria, where irregular vacation rentals represent a significant source of income for small owners. And this Tuesday, the regional government boasted about it.
In April 2025, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, General Manager of Airbnb Marketing Services, stated that "this collaboration agreement between the Canary Islands Government and Airbnb represents a fundamental step forward in the implementation of the new European framework for short-term rentals. Furthermore, it exemplifies Airbnb's efforts to strengthen its collaboration with cities and governments in Spain, with the aim of ensuring a successful transition to the new EU regulations for everyone." Furthermore, Rodríguez de Santiago said that Airbnb would launch a campaign targeting the host community in the south of Gran Canaria, as in other destinations, with a particular emphasis on the new European regulations and the registration and licensing requirements that will be mandatory in Spain in accordance with the new legislative framework.
“The objective is clear: to address a problem that has affected the balance of the Canary Islands' tourism model. Eliminating illegal platform offerings is only the first step; direct intervention through inspection and closure will consolidate a sustainable tourism model,” explained Miguel Ángel Rodríguez (PP), Director General of Tourism Planning, Training, and Promotion.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 9 has allowed us to refine the offerings that didn't comply with regulations. "What made headlines a year ago, such as rooftop tents, mini-campsites in commercial premises, or camper vans, is no longer available on Airbnb and soon won't be available on other platforms with which we continue to engage," said Councilor Jéssica de León.
Airbnb has reinforced its commitment to regulation: “This is a new chapter for Airbnb in the Canary Islands, defined by collaboration, quality, and sustainable growth,” said Sara Rodríguez, Director of Public Policy for Spain and Portugal. The platform notified all hosts of the need to register and offered guidance resources for complying with the legislation.
The measure comes before the European Regulation on short-term rentals comes into force and is part of a broader plan that includes the Law on Sustainable Management of Tourist Housing, currently before parliament, which provides for inspections, sanctions, and closures to ensure compliance with the regulations. While the government presents it as a step forward for sustainability and coexistence, local sectors in southern Gran Canaria warn that the measure directly impacts small property owners and workers dependent on irregular vacation rentals, reinforcing the perception that the PP prioritizes regulatory control over its historical social base in the area.
