Ibiza officials sign deal with Airbnb to crack down on "unregulated" holiday rentals

Ibiza officials have signed an "unprecedented" deal with Airbnb to crack down on unregulated holiday rentals, with the platform having already de-listed 300 properties.

According to The Independent, the "historic" deal between Consell d’Eivissa and the rental platform was announced on February 20, and will see Airbnb fast-track the removal of rental properties on the island “that operate on the margins of legality.”

The move comes as part of the Ibiza government's pledge to tackle overcrowding on the island, with Ibiza council president Vicent Marí calling the agreement "a milestone" in the "relentless fight against the island's unregulated [tourist accommodation] supply".

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Properties that violate island regulations include campsites outside of designated camping zones, and single rooms inside existing properties — many of which do not have authorisation from the council.

Airbnb's Country Manager for Spain and Portugal Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago said the deal "underlines the common interest in ensuring Ibiza remains an exceptional and quality tourist destination for future generations."

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Alongside Airbnb, several travel organisations have also signed the deal — including Ibiza's tourist board Fomento del Turismo and travel promotion company Asociación de Viviendas Turísticas Vacacionales (AVAT).

Ibiza's council has set up a web portal of all licensed properties on the island which visitors can view before their trip, alongside access to tourist information, offers and other resources.

[Via: The Independent]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter