Alicante has given the go-ahead to start processing new regulations that will limit tourist accommodation across the city.
The plan introduces a cap of 0.187 tourist beds per inhabitant. It also bans new tourist lodgings in areas considered “saturated” or experiencing urban overcrowding.
Exceptions will apply for 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels, reflecting a push toward higher-quality, less dense tourism.
Map of saturated tourist accommodation areas in Alicante.
Mayor’s comments as Alicante moves to limit tourist accommodation
Mayor Luis Barcala said the initiative supports “a city model based on neighbourhoods and sustainable urban tourism.” It aims to balance daily life for residents with the city’s tourism activity.
“We want to attract visitors without exceeding our territorial capacity or pushing out the local population,” Barcala explained. “Our goal is to ensure that residents can continue living in their neighbourhoods, with access to housing, jobs, and public services.”
The regulation forms part of Specific Amendment No. 52 to Alicante’s General Urban Development Plan (PGOU). It has entered the strategic environmental assessment stage. After which it will be submitted to the required public and institutional consultations before final approval by the City Council Plenary.
Each census section will serve as the unit for determining whether an area is saturated or not, with the classification reviewed annually. In non-saturated zones, new tourist accommodation may still be approved provided the limit is not exceeded.
Higher-end rentals exemption
To encourage investment in higher-end lodging, 4- and 5-star hotels will be exempt from the saturation cap, while 3-star hotels will be allowed a higher ratio of 0.32 beds per inhabitant. According to the Council, this exception promotes “tourism excellence” that creates stable, year-round jobs and attracts a less seasonal, more environmentally aware visitor profile.
The amendment also bans tourist accommodation on the ground floors of main commercial streets and civic corridors. This is to preserve neighbourhood commerce and social life. Officials argue that converting street-level shops into tourist flats risks undermining the local business fabric and the city’s daily functionality.
Lastly, tourist accommodation within residential buildings must now have independent access to prevent guests from sharing common areas with residents.
