A group of Valencia residents now support a bill that aims to ban tourists from being booked into rooms that have the best views of the city.
Valencia city hall is currently mulling over a new regulation that would restrict private rentals to the ground and second floors of apartment buildings. If passed, the law would basically ban all private apartment rentals offering a view of the historic buildings and coastline of the city. Also, it would prohibit tourist rentals from the historic center of the city and allow regulation of holiday rentals on zone-by-zone basis, The Local Spain reported.
There have been complaints by locals that the current tourism boom in Valencia has priced out locals from the most desirable neighborhoods of the city.
In a statement, Sandra Gomez, Valencia deputy mayor, said that the new law empowers councils to regain control of what buildings may be used for.
Valencia joins a host of other European cities waging a war against holiday rental sites such as Airbnb. Just last year, Barcelona threatened to bar all Airbnbs from the city because of properties operating without a license. Last month, Paris city filed a case against Airbnb and other illegal listings. A court hearing that is set for 12th of June, could affect up to 85% of listings on the website.