Barcelona 's new mayor , Ada Colau , is threatening to fine firms like Airbnb and resorts if they market apartments that do not have a number showing that they are listed on the city 's official tourism register . She is apparently trying to crack down on the " uncontrolled tourism " that she fears could drive out poorer residents and spoil the economy of the city . " Everybody cannot comply with the same strict rules , " Colau said , " An internet platform can not become a means to thwart the regulations and to sell illegal tourist apartments . In that case we do have to intervene very forcefully . "
Barcelona's new mayor, Ada Colau, is threatening to fine firms like Airbnb and Booking.com if they market apartments that do not have a number showing that they are listed on the region's official tourism register. She is apparently trying to crack down on the "uncontrolled tourism" that she fears could drive out poorer residents and spoil the charm of the city. "Everybody must comply with the same game rules," Colau said, "An internet platform cannot become a means to thwart the regulations and to shelter illegal tourist apartments. In that case we do have to intervene very forcefully."