Spain has introduced new regulations that could affect some tourists visiting the country for their summer holidays this year. However, a rule change brought in at one of its most popular resorts prompted panic and confusion after it was mistakenly characterised as a “tourist ban”.

On Tuesday, January 14 measures designed to curb short-term holiday rentals in the Costa del Sol region of Spain came into force, in what has been described as a ‘tourist ban’. Covering 43 districts of Costa del Sol's capital, Malaga city, the measures limit the amount of accommodation available for tourists.

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and last year welcomed a record-breaking 94 million tourists. It’s a particular favourite with Brits, who made up the biggest proportion of visitors in 2024.