The European Large Families Confederation considers that ending short-term tourist rentals would cause serious harm to families, who find in this type of accommodation an affordable, flexible option suited to their needs.
The European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC) has formally asked Barcelona City Council to reconsider its decision to eliminate short-term tourist apartments as of 2028 and to open a dialogue process with social and consumer organisations. The aim is to find balanced solutions that do not harm families, with the participation of other organisations such as the Catalan Large Families Association (FANOC). ELFAC considers the measure disproportionate, as it would remove a type of accommodation that is “legitimate, diverse, accessible and necessary” for large families.
ELFAC has sent a letter to Mayor Jaume Collboni stating that the measure represents serious harm to families, who rely on tourist apartments as an affordable, flexible accommodation model suited to their needs. The organisation highlights that tourist rentals have become the preferred choice for many families in recent years, and that banning them would not only restrict consumers’ freedom of choice, but also force families to give up their holidays or choose a different destination for strictly economic reasons.
ELFAC stresses that such a ban would restrict consumers’ freedom of choice and make it difficult for many families to travel to Barcelona, mainly for economic reasons.
Tourist apartments: an essential, affordable option for families
“Restricting mobility and travellers’ freedom of choice, and directly harming families with children, cannot be the answer to the challenges facing the city of Barcelona,” said ELFAC President Radoslaw Waszkiewicz. “Tourist apartments offer the space, comfort and flexibility that households with several children require, compared with other options that are more expensive or less suitable and often require booking two or three hotel rooms, thereby doubling or tripling the budget.”
ELFAC also recalls that family tourism is a growing driver in the sector, and that price remains the main decision-making factor. According to the 12th Family Tourism Study conducted by the Spanish Large Families Federation, tourist rentals rank among families’ preferred choices thanks to their balance of cost, comfort and flexibility.
The 12th Family Tourism Study, carried out by the Spanish Large Families Federation, confirms that price is the deciding factor when choosing destination and accommodation, placing tourist rentals among the preferred options for the sector.
A warning from New York: a more elitist and less diverse market
The European Large Families Confederation also highlights the negative consequences seen in New York. It reminds the City Council that in September 2023 a regulation came into force that drastically restricted short-term rentals, and that this reduction in supply has led to a significant increase in hotel prices, as documented by various sources in recent years (HR&A Advisors impact study, articles in The Wall Street Journal, among others).
ELFAC stresses that travellers with lower purchasing power have been pushed out, resulting in a more elitist and less diverse tourism market, in which families have been clearly disadvantaged.