Touristification refers to the urban, economic, and social transformation that occurs when an area experiences a high influx of tourists. While it traditionally affects coastal regions (such as Benidorm, Palma de Mallorca, or Málaga), it is increasingly common in popular neighbourhoods of major cities, such as El Gòtic and El Raval in Barcelona, or Lavapiés and Malasaña in Madrid.
Tourism can bring economic benefits to a community, including increased trade, job creation, and tax revenue. However, touristification is becoming increasingly controversial due to its negative impact on local residents. These effects include the disappearance of traditional shops in favour of tourist-oriented businesses, increased noise, and the loss of local identity and community feeling.
The most concerning downside of touristification is the rise in housing costs and the reduction of available residential properties. As more homes are converted into tourist accommodations (such as those listed on Airbnb), the supply of housing for long-term residents decreases, pushing up rental prices and often forcing locals to move away.
In response, the Spanish government has introduced a number of measures to tackle the issues caused by touristification, including the creation of a central register for holiday rentals. In May 2025, Airbnb was required to remove nearly 66,000 listings that did not comply with the new regulations.
