Europe starts to crack down on Airbnb properties

Portugal has unveiled a package of measures aimed at tackling a housing crisis, including a ban on new licenses for Airbnb properties and other short-term holiday rentals.

Rents and house prices have skyrocketed in Portugal - and many other parts of the world - as tourists flock to one of Europe's most affordable holiday destinations.

The tourism boom is a key factor in rents in Lisbon jumping 37% in 2022, local news service WIO reported.

Portugal also signalled the end of its controversial Golden Visa programme for new property buyers from abroad.

Foreign property owners will now only be eligible for the visas if their properties are used as their own home, or placed in the long-term rental market.

Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a press conference in Lisbon that new licences for tourism businesses - like Airbnb properties - will be prohibited, though rural areas will be exempt.

The move aims to make more properties available to locals who have been priced out of the rental market.   

City of wine for 2023 is not a city at all

The European City of Wine for 2023 is not a city at all.

The Douro Valley, home to Portugal's port production, is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Douro Intermunicipal Community (CIM Duoro) comprises the municipalities of Alijó, Armamar, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Lamego, Mesão Frio, Moimenta da Beira, Murça, Penedono, Peso da Régua, Sabrosa, Santa Marta de Penaguião, São João da Pesqueira, Sernancelhe, Tabuaço, Tarouca, Torre de Moncorvo, Vila Nova de Foz Coa and Vila Real.

The European city of wine is an annual competition conducted by the European Network of Wine Cities (RECEVIN) since 2012, and aims to promote tourism and publicise European wine-producing regions.

CIM Duoro says it has “dozens of initiatives” planned throughout the year “to show the Douro to Europe”, The Portugal News reported.

“With this distinction as European City of Wine 2023, the Douro cherishes the legitimate desire for the region to be a major contributor to national exports, to make wine and vineyards a concrete and real lever for the development of its economy, and the wealth of those who live and work here,” CIM Douro said in a statement.

The group described the accolade as an “opportunity to promote wine tourism, culture and heritage and to be able to welcome visitors with dignity, highlighting wine as a strategic element and essence of our economic activity.”

The presentation gala will take place on February 4 in Lamego.

CIM said the 19 local mayors are “prepared to take on the challenge”.

RECEVIN has 11 national wine associations as members: Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Serbia.

Image: Visit Portugal