Spain welcomed a record 94 million tourists last year, leading to concerns about overcrowding and housing affordability in popular cities like Barcelona and Madrid. To address these issues, the Spanish government has introduced regulations targeting short-term rentals catering to tourists, while still supporting the tourism industry that contributes 12% to the country’s GDP. Measures include restrictions on new rental properties in certain neighborhoods and the closure of licensed short-term rentals in Barcelona to protect housing supply for residents. Additionally, visitors will now need to provide personal information for national security reasons when booking hotel stays or renting cars in Spain.
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Libman: There's yet another language sheriff in town
In the quest to preserve the French language and culture in North America, the question arises about the extent to which non-francophones' rights and services should be compromised. This debate centers on finding a balance between cultural preservation and inclusivity within the shared space. As efforts continue to uphold French heritage, the challenge remains in navigating the delicate balance between cultural preservation and the rights of all inhabitants in the region. Full Article
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