Is Airbnb going to be banned in Mexico? And where to find the Island's best doctor

The idea of Mexico banning Airbnb is not as unlikely as some may think. It has already happened  in some areas, and countries around the world are cracking down on Airbnb.

Vienna in Austria is a recent example where they have tightened restrictions; limiting the number of rental days for those who rent short term. This is of greater significance than it first appears, because people have given up renting long term in order to rent short term, now this may not work out for them.

Florence in Italy recently announced a ban on all new Airbnb listings in the city center, of course there will inevitably be those who bought properties specifically for the purpose of becoming an Airbnb host.  Others should be warned because they are now planning to roll it out  nationwide.

Spain also has problems with Airbnb both Madrid and Barcelona are planning restrictions; Barcelona is planning to withdraw 10,000 short term rental licenses.

The cause of this move against Airbnb is twofold; pressure from hotel groups who feel that it is not a level playing field, and that Airbnb hosts are not subject to as stringent requirements as a hotel, and of course they lose business. Pressure also comes from local residents who say they cannot find anywhere to live, and when they can, they can't afford it.

Which brings us to Isla Mujeres where the problem is exacerbated by the fact that it's a small island. In other areas people move to the outskirts to find cheaper property, here that's the sea. Nowadays, even those with a small room, not always in the best of condition, want to rent it via Airbnb, these properties were previously rented to locals. When locals  can find accommodation, often children and pets are not permitted.

There is now a left wing government (some even refer to it as a communist government) in Mexico that finds itself in a powerful position. There has already been talk of an individual  not being allowed to own more than one property, it is easy to see how they could make a move to free up more living accommodation for the less fortunate.

Would banning Airbnb be a good thing? Perhaps not from a business point of view, but if it gives local people more choice  at more affordable rents, then one would have to say yes.

On a different subject, a number of Americans on the island are not always comfortable dealing with Mexican doctors and are unaware that there is a very experienced English doctor practicing here; Dr. Greta Shorey who came to the island as a voluntary worker after the hurricane Gilberto in 1988 and stayed. She is here primarily to treat local people but is happy to treat American residence and visitors too. Telephone and WhatsApp +52 998 402 6874