Spanish holiday hotspot overwhelmed by tourist rentals as furious locals fight back | World | News
Spanish locals have issued a rallying cry as “historic” shops and buildings are closing up to make space for more holiday rentals. Residents of Costa del Sol, particularly Malaga, have vented their frustration after nearly 40 shops, bars or other commercial sites were granted permission to be turned into holiday rentals in the span of a year. It comes amid a housing crisis for young Spaniards, with many millions unable to afford to live in larger cities – let alone purchase property there. A picture of a once popular noodles bar turned tourist rental went viral after Malagueño Fran Campos shared it with the caption: “Malaga’s new reality.” He went on to share more pictures detailing how the city had changed over time. Mr Campos argued that “iconic” buildings were being wiped from existence, to be replaced with more spaces for tourists. He said under one picture: “These were the headquarters of the Neighborhood Association, then an embroidery workshop and now some tourist apartments.” A legendary dance clothing store, named Lola Denis, also faced the chopping block after 36 years …