Before San Sebastian, in 2018, Palma de Mallorca became the first city in Spain to ban Airbnbs. In 2023, Florence in Italy also announced a ban on all new Airbnbs. Seville also announced a ban on stag and hen dos. And there are several destinations that want tourists to stay away.
Eneko Goia, San Sebastian’s Mayor, said that there are some places in the city that have been declared as ‘saturated’. As per the mayor, the supply of holiday accommodation for tourists is plentiful in the city. The General Urban Planning Plan, a report on the state of the city, also showed negative impacts of tourism in the city which included a steep decline in the food quality and culture.Even the city residents have become sick over tourism. They are coming up with anti-tourism graffiti with messages like "go home” across monuments and bridges. With these measures, the city is hoping to make big changes and trying to make it liveable for locals.
About San Sebastian
Credit: iStockSan Sebastián is noted for being home to myriad pretty museums, including the San Telmo Museoa, showcasing Basque history and culture, and the Chillida-Leku Museum, dedicated to the renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. The city is also renowned for its architectural styles, including Belle Époque buildings, modernist structures, and contemporary designs. The city's landmarks, such as the Kursaal Congress Centre and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, are known of its architectural diversity.
