Ibiza and Airbnb: A Historic Collaboration to Regulate Tourist Rentals

Ibiza, renowned for its idyllic beaches and electrifying nightlife, is also at the center of debates related to the impact of tourism on its real estate market. In February 2025, an unprecedented agreement between the Consell d’Eivissa (the island council) and Airbnb marked a decisive step in the fight against unregulated tourist rentals. This initiative aims to preserve the balance between tourist growth and the needs of local residents.

A Historic Agreement for Responsible Tourism

The partnership between Ibiza and Airbnb has been described as a “milestone” by Vicent Marí, president of the Consell d’Eivissa. The goal is clear: to eradicate rental offers operating outside the legal framework. Since the announcement of this agreement, over 300 non-compliant properties have been removed from the Airbnb platform, including atypical accommodations such as caravans, boats, or tents.

To ensure compliance, Airbnb now requires each property owner to provide a valid registration number before posting an ad. This number, introduced by the new local regulations, allows each property to be identified and its legality verified. In parallel, the Consell d’Eivissa has set up an online portal allowing residents and visitors to consult information on authorized rentals.

The Challenges: Housing Crisis and Over-Tourism

Ibiza is no stranger to the challenges posed by intensive tourism. With over 80% of its GDP generated by this sector, the island has seen a surge in demand for seasonal rentals. This situation has led to a sharp increase in property prices, making it difficult for local residents to access housing. Some have even been forced to leave the island or live in their vehicles.

Local authorities hope that this regulation will reduce these pressures while promoting more sustainable tourism. Fines for non-compliance are severe: they can reach up to €400,000 for offending property owners or businesses. Additionally, since 2022, a moratorium has prohibited the issuance of new tourist licenses until 2026.

Mixed Reactions: Between Support and Concerns

While this initiative is welcomed by some residents and local associations, it also raises concerns among property owners and businesses dependent on seasonal rentals. Some denounce significant financial losses and believe these restrictions limit their ability to generate income.

Airbnb, on the other hand, supports this approach by affirming its commitment to responsible tourism. The platform has stated that it will continue to collaborate with local authorities to promote fair practices while allowing local families to economically benefit from tourism.

A Model for Other Tourist Destinations

Ibiza is not alone in its fight against illegal rentals. Cities like Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca have already adopted similar measures to regulate the tourist rental market. These initiatives reflect a European trend aimed at better framing tourism to protect local communities while preserving the quality of destinations.

As the summer season approaches, the effectiveness of this new agreement will be closely monitored by industry players. Local authorities and Airbnb have committed to regularly evaluating the results and adjusting their strategies if necessary.

A Balanced Future for Ibiza ?

The new measures taken by Ibiza demonstrate a clear will: to ensure harmonious tourist development while meeting the needs of residents. Although the transition may be difficult for some economic actors, it represents an opportunity to rethink tourism on the island.