Murcia's short-term rentals will have to provide a registration number to advertise on Airbnb

A new initiative mandates registration for properties listed on platforms like Airbnb, aligning with European regulations

In a pioneering move, to prevent illegal tourist accommodation, the Region of Murcia has partnered with Airbnb to ensure that all short-term rental properties display a valid tourist registration number in their listings, in an effort to combat illegal and unregistered properties being leased out to holidaymakers. This initiative aims to facilitate compliance with European regulations and enhance transparency in the short-term rental market.

As of the initiative’s implementation, properties without a registration number are prohibited from advertising on Airbnb. Hosts are required to provide their registration details and consent to share their information with local authorities, streamlining inspection processes and promoting adherence to legal standards.

To support hosts in this transition, Airbnb plans to launch an educational campaign detailing the new European regulations and the necessary registration procedures. This effort coincides with actions by the Institute of Tourism of the Region of Murcia to regulate accommodation offerings and the creation of a Digital Single Window for data exchange.

Juan Francisco Martínez, the director of the Institute of Tourism, emphasised the importance of the measure, stating: “This collaboration with Airbnb is a step forward in guaranteeing the legality and transparency of tourist accommodation in the region. It will help us ensure that all properties meet the necessary requirements and offer greater security for visitors.”

This collaboration between Murcia’s regional government and Airbnb represents a significant step towards regulating the short-term rental market, ensuring that all listings comply with legal requirements and promoting a fairer environment for both hosts and guests.

Image: cottonbro studio/Pexels