The capital of Seville now has 32,682 places in tourist accommodations, according to the latest report from Exceltur. Only Seville and Málaga are recording increases, while the rest of Spain's major cities are reducing their offerings.
The market for tourist accommodations in Spain has experienced a significant adjustment in the first five months of 2026, but Seville capital remains unaffected by the general trend. According to the hotel association Exceltur's report for the second quarter, the Andalusian city has added 83 new places compared to the same period in 2025, an increase of 0.3% that positions it as one of the only two major Spanish cities where the supply not only does not decrease but actually grows.
The capital of Seville now has 32,682 places in tourist accommodations (VUT), a figure that contrasts with the national trend. Between January and May 2026, the 25 largest Spanish cities accumulated 330,516 places, nearly 37,000 fewer than in the same period the previous year, representing a decline of 10%.
The report attributes this widespread reduction to the repeal of the Unique Register of Tourist Accommodations, which occurred in May 2026, creating a "regulatory impasse" after months of purging illegal offerings. Until then, the implementation of the Digital Rental Single Window (VUDA) and the efforts of regional and local administrations had managed to remove thousands of places from the market that did not comply with regulations.
Málaga and Seville, Andalusian exceptions
Exceltur's study highlights that Málaga has also recorded slight growth, with 261 more places (+0.7%), while Granada suffers a slight reduction of 0.4%. In the rest of Spain, the declines are much more pronounced: Madrid loses 11.3% of its VUT places, Barcelona 8.5%, Valencia 15.2%, and Alicante 18.6%. Cities like Ibiza (-61.5%), A Coruña (-37.2%), or Palma (-36.5%) lead the declines due to stricter regulations.
For the Seville reader, this data represents a dual interpretation. On one hand, the city maintains a strong tourist pulse, with demand continuing to attract investors in holiday rentals. On the other hand, the persistent growth of VUTs may further strain the residential housing market, especially in neighborhoods like the Centre, Triana, or La Macarena, where tourist pressure is highest.
"Seville continues to be a very attractive destination for international tourism, and this is reflected in the accommodation supply," sources from Exceltur state, attributing the slight increase to the "strength of foreign demand and the hosting of international events."
Hotel profitability on the rise
The report also analyzes the evolution of the hotel sector, which in Seville has experienced a 9% growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) between March and May 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. This figure doubles the national average (+4.2%) and places the capital of Seville among the most dynamic urban destinations in Spain, alongside Málaga (+8.5%), Valencia (+18.3%), and Alicante (+17.3%).
The good performance of Seville's hospitality sector is explained by a combination of a robust international demand, the recovery of business travel, and the organization of significant events. Meanwhile, destinations like Santiago de Compostela (-17.2%), Gijón (-11.0%), or Córdoba (-6.0%) are recording declines in their hotel revenues.
For the traveler visiting Seville, the accommodation offer is diversifying: VUTs provide an alternative to hotels, but the Seville City Council remains committed to controlling the proliferation of tourist flats to prevent gentrification. In fact, in recent months, inspections and penalties for owners operating without a license have intensified.
What to expect for the summer?
Looking ahead to the summer season, Exceltur predicts that Seville will maintain a high occupancy level, both in hotels and tourist accommodations. The city has established itself as a reference destination in southern Europe, with a cultural and gastronomic offer that attracts visitors from around the world. However, the association warns that the repeal of the unique register may create uncertainty in the fight against illegal offerings.
For now, the data from the second quarter confirms that Seville remains an exception in the national map of tourist accommodations: while most cities are applying the brakes, the capital of Seville accelerates, albeit at a very moderate pace. Residents of the most touristy neighborhoods will, however, continue to keep an eye on how this trend evolves in the coming months.
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