Touristification and Expansion of Short-Term Rentals in Mediterranean Destinations: The Case of Rural Areas

Fernando Almeida-García (), Apollònia Monserrat-Febrer, Rafael Cortés-Macías and Miquel Àngel Coll-Ramis
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Fernando Almeida-García: Faculty of Tourism, Campus of Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
Apollònia Monserrat-Febrer: Department of Geography, University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
Rafael Cortés-Macías: Faculty of Tourism, Campus of Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
Miquel Àngel Coll-Ramis: Department of Geography, University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-27

Abstract: This study analyses how the intensive use of short-term rentals (STRs) in the tourism sector contributes to the transformation and touristification of rural areas in mature tourist destinations, using the island of Mallorca, Spain, as a case study. Based on growth machine theory, the analysis innovatively examines the factors driving the expansion of STRs in rural spaces, with a focus on economic, social, and territorial dynamics. The research hypothesis is that the proliferation of STRs acts as a key element in rural touristification. Using a combination of spatial and temporal indicators, the study identifies patterns of intensification and dispersion of STRs in rural areas, offering a comparison with other Mediterranean destinations, particularly in Spain. The results show that STRs have generated significant spatial impacts, leading to the displacement of agricultural land use and increasing tensions within local communities, mainly due to rising housing prices. The study highlights the need to implement spatial planning policies that restrain the uncontrolled expansion of STRs, ensure sustainable tourism planning, and promote housing policies that protect residents from the negative effects of touristification. Various scenarios for the evolution of STRs are proposed depending on their regulation.

Keywords: touristification; short-term rentals (STRs); rural areas; Mediterranean sea; Mallorca (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:881-:d:1636139

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