Millions of tourists who visit Spain every year are an important source of income for the economy, but There are problems for residents that the government can no longer afford to ignore. This was stated by Minister of Economy Carlos Cuerpo in an interview with the Associated Press, which was taken over by TASR.
Last year, Spain recorded a record 94 million foreign tourists, making it one of the world’s most visited countries. According to some forecasts, up to 100 million tourists could come this year. “It is important to understand that these record numbers in terms of tourism are also challenges,” said Cuerpo. “And we have to deal with these challenges with regard to our own residents,” he said.
Tourism is the key sector of the Spanish economywhich grew by 3.2 %last year, more than any other large advanced economy. The Spanish central bank predicts the growth of the economy by 2.4 %, which is significantly above the expected average in the euro area at 0.9 %.
But The deepening housing crisis, when, as a result of hiking rentals, housing expenses such as Madrid, Barcelona and others are becoming unmanageable, led to frustration and protest. They were attended by tens of thousands of people who demanded more government housing measures.
Spain has 49 million inhabitants. Record numbers of tourists illustrate “the attractiveness of our country,” Cuerpo said. According to him, the government is facing a difficult role when he wants to ensure on the one hand “good experiences for tourists, but at the same time prevent overpricing of housing services”. The Spanish central bank recently stated that The country is missing 450,000 residential real estate. The solution should be the construction of public rental apartments, which Spain has much less than many other large European economies.
A sharp decline in construction in Spain after the financial crisis and collapse of the real estate market in 2008 also played a role in the housing crisis. And to some extent the growth of the population as a result of immigration, Cuerpo pointed out. While the construction of a larger number of rental apartments is crucial, the minister advocates a comprehensive approach, Including regulation of the Spanish housing and platforms for short -term rental.
