Alicante City Council has unanimously approved the extension of its moratorium on granting licenses for tourist accommodation. This extension now encompasses apartment blocks, pensions, and hostels, effectively prohibiting new licenses until January twenty twenty-seven. The ruling received strong support with twenty one votes in favour from the governing coalition and the Socialist Party, while Vox abstained and Compromís opposed it.

The moratorium has been introduced following an increase in tourist blocks during the past six months. Rocío Gómez, the City Councillor for Urban Planning, stated that the decision aims to manage the evolution of the city responsibly based on thorough studies. Ms Gómez added that the regulation of tourist accommodation is critical for balancing residents and visitors within the city.

The moratorium applies across the entire municipal area of Alicante, halting the granting of new licenses for any form of tourist accommodation, including individual tourist homes, apartment blocks, pensions, and hostels. The suspension will remain in effect until the technical and legal assessments are completed, allowing a reevaluation of tourism regulations.

In a simultaneous council session, the city approved additional funding of thirty five point one million euros for key projects, supported by the People’s Party and Vox. Nayma Beldjilali, the Councillor for Finance, highlighted that this funding will facilitate essential developments such as the La Torreta Park, the rehabilitation of the Casa de la Misericordia, and other projects across various industrial zones.