This Spanish city is the latest to take a drastic step to curb overtourism

San Sebastian is not the first place in Europe to adopt similar actions. Spain's Palma de Mallorca outlawed Airbnb rentals in 2018. In 2023, Seville placed limitations on stag and hen parties, and Florence, Italy, announced a ban on new Airbnb ren...

By ET Online | Nov 06, 2023, 11.17 AM IST

In the picturesque Spanish city of San Sebastian, renowned for its rich European culture and historical heritage, authorities are taking bold measures to combat the issue of overtourism. The city, located in the heart of Europe, has long been a sought-after destination for travelers, resulting in an overwhelming influx of tourists. To address this challenge, the government is planning to impose restrictions on tourist numbers and prohibit the construction of new hotels.

The main objective behind these initiatives is to promote sustainable tourism and protect the city from becoming overly crowded with visitors. San Sebastian is not the first European destination to undertake such measures. In 2018, Palma de Mallorca in Spain banned Airbnb rentals. In 2023, Florence, Italy, followed suit by announcing a ban on new Airbnb accommodations, while Seville imposed restrictions on stag and hen parties. Many other cities across the continent are also adopting strategies to regulate tourism.

Eneko Goia, the Mayor of San Sebastian, emphasized that certain parts of the city have reached a state of "saturation" due to the excessive tourist influx. According to the Mayor, there is already an abundance of holiday accommodations available to cater to tourists' needs.

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The General Urban Planning Plan, a comprehensive report on the city's current state, has highlighted the adverse impacts of tourism, including a notable decline in the quality of local cuisine and cultural experiences.

The city's residents are also expressing their discontent with the situation, resorting to anti-tourism graffiti that conveys messages like "go home" on monuments and bridges. These efforts reflect the growing frustration among locals, who hope that the new measures will help restore the city's livability for its residents.

San Sebastian boasts a wealth of attractions, including numerous museums like the San Telmo Museoa, which showcases Basque history and culture, and the Chillida-Leku Museum, dedicated to the renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. The city is also celebrated for its diverse architectural styles, ranging from Belle Époque buildings to modernist structures and contemporary designs. Landmarks like the Kursaal Congress Centre and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre showcase the city's architectural diversity, making San Sebastian a unique and culturally rich destination that authorities are committed to preserving for future generations.

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