Airbnb has announced a major milestone in the Canary Islands tourism sector, with the number of registered vacation rentals on its platform growing by more than 45% since January 1. The increase comes after a collaboration agreement with the Government of the Canary Islands aimed at strengthening short-term rentals regulation and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.
Sara Rodríguez, Director of Public Policy for Spain and Portugal at Airbnb Marketing Services, described the shift as a turning point:
“A new chapter for Airbnb in the Canary Islands, defined by a proactive commitment to collaboration, quality, and a long-term vision for sustainable growth.”
According to Rodríguez, the listings that comply with local registration requirements have quickly become the most sought-after by travellers. This indicates that far from harming Airbnb’s commercial activity, the new regulations have reinforced the platform’s reputation while ensuring greater transparency for both visitors and residents.
Government of the Canary Islands Welcomes Results
The regional Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León, praised the agreement and the positive impact it has had on regulating the vacation rental market. She highlighted how the collaboration has helped eliminate unregulated and unconventional listings that were once a source of controversy.
“What was making headlines a year ago, such as tents on rooftops, mini-campsites in commercial premises, or camper vans, is no longer present on Airbnb thanks to this collaboration agreement,” de León explained.
The removal of these irregular vacation rentals addresses long-standing complaints from local communities, who have called for tighter tourism regulation in the Canary Islands. For the government, this is a significant step toward improving the quality and credibility of the short-term rental market while protecting the interests of residents.
Airbnb’s Commitments for the Future
Looking ahead, Airbnb Canary Islands has pledged to continue working with authorities to:
- Increase the share of registered listings available on the platform.
- Educate hosts about the region’s short-term rental regulations.
- Share progress updates regularly with both policymakers and the public.
This proactive stance aims to build a more transparent and sustainable framework for vacation rentals across the archipelago. By ensuring that properties meet legal standards, Airbnb not only supports hosts but also enhances the experience of travelers seeking safe, reliable accommodations.
Balancing Tourism Growth and Local Needs
The Canary Islands are one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. Tourism is central to the local economy, but unregulated growth in short-term rentals has raised concerns about housing availability, neighborhood quality of life, and compliance with tax and safety regulations.
By removing problematic listings and focusing on registered vacation rentals, Airbnb is aligning itself more closely with the Canary Islands’ long-term vision of sustainable tourism. This approach seeks to balance the economic benefits of visitor spending with the protection of local communities.
A Model for Other Destinations
The progress in the Canary Islands reflects broader debates across Europe, where cities and regions are working to regulate the fast-expanding short-term rental market. By collaborating directly with governments and removing non-compliant listings, Airbnb is positioning itself as a partner in shaping the future of tourism.
As the Canary Islands continue to grow as a global tourist hotspot, this cooperation could serve as a model for other destinations seeking to combine economic opportunity with responsible regulation.
With both Airbnb and the regional government committed to this path, the future of vacation rentals in the Canary Islands is set to be defined by stronger rules, higher standards, and a shared commitment to sustainable tourism.
