Seville Cuts Water to 5,000 Illegal Tourist Flats

The Seville City Council is planning to cut off the water supply to approximately 5,000 illegal tourist apartments as part of its efforts to combat the rise of unregulated holiday rentals. This decision follows increasing complaints from residents about the negative impacts of mass tourism, including overcrowding and rising housing costs. The council's plan, however, has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the limited inspection capacity—only 10 properties will be checked weekly—will result in a slow and ineffective enforcement process. Mayor Jose Luis Sanz has pledged a 'zero tolerance' approach towards illegal rentals but previously rejected a proposal to stop issuing new tourist licenses. Local protests have highlighted the adverse effects of unchecked tourism, with activists calling for stronger regulations to preserve the city's livability. The situation reflects broader challenges in Spain regarding tourism management, particularly in regions like Andalusia, which has a high concentration of tourist rentals.