B2 – Upper Intermediate
Barcelona, a top tourist destination known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, has announced a bold plan to shut down all holiday apartments by 2028. This move aims to address the growing concerns over the impact of tourism on local communities and housing availability. The decision marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to managing its tourism industry and balancing the needs of residents and visitors alike.
Read this article to learn more about Barcelona’s plan to shut down holiday apartments by 2028.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “in a bid to do something” mean? “Barcelona has announced plans to ban apartment rentals to tourists from 2028 in a bid to bring down housing costs for residents.” Make a sentence with this idiom.
- What does “to rein in something” mean? “Barcelona, a top Spanish holiday destination, has announced it will bar apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, an unexpectedly drastic move as it seeks to rein in soaring housing costs and make the city livable for residents.” Use this expression in a sentence.
- What is the meaning of “priced out”? “National governments relish the economic benefits of tourism – Spain ranks among the top-three most visited countries in the world – but with local residents priced out in some places, gentrification, and owner preference for lucrative tourist rentals are increasingly a hot topic across Europe.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think about this plan?
- Talk about the benefits and problems associated with short-term holiday rentals in a city.
- How will this choice impact residents in Barcelona who depend on earnings from holiday rentals?
- How do you expect this move to influence Barcelona’s cultural and tourism scenery in the future?
- Should other cities consider adopting Barcelona’s approach to managing tourism and housing issues? Why or why not?
- Cite other strategies Barcelona could consider to strike a balance between the demands of residents and tourists.