The self-proclaimed ‘King of Benidorm’ has voiced his support for Spain’s rumoured ‘three-year tourist ban’ amid concerns that he could be priced out of his adopted home. Nigel Pope, 63, who originally hails from Cornwall, moved to the lively Costa Blanca town seven years ago following his divorce.
Since then, he’s carved out a reputation as a popular bar personality and through his engaging digital tours, amassing a following of 70,000 on TikTok. It has earned him his regal nickname as British holidaymakers travel 900 miles just to meet the honorary Benidorm local.
But the escalating housing crisis in Spain, exacerbated by mass tourism driving up rental prices, threatens his reign in the sunny enclave. “Spain’s alleged ‘tourist ban’ is not what it seems,” the ‘King’ told Daily Star.
“It will effectively help stop the local places from pricing themselves out of the locals market, which has been a growing problem.
“I think its actually a very good proposal that will help us locals to be able to afford the low rents, as wages are a lot lower here than elsewhere in Europe.”
The so-called ‘ban’ has already taken effect in Malaga, with the city council and Costa del Sol authorities enacting legislation to halt the registration of new rental properties in 43 neighbourhoods.
Despite not directly prohibiting visitors, recent actions may result in tourists struggling to land short-term holiday lets. Seville is expected to introduce similar constraints on such properties, in line with Madrid and Barcelona’s strategies to regulate short stays.
Early January saw Alicante City Council enact a two-year hiatus on new permits for holiday rentals, though Benidorm’s authorities have yet to declare measures of their own.
‘King’ Nigel is eager for Benidorm to take similar steps, given his growing worry about the surging rents faced by inhabitants like him, confessing that it’s beginning to “be a problem.”
He explained: “It has started to be a problem in Benidorm for people like myself who have to try to renew our existing rental contracts, so for me personally it is a good proposal and does start to tackle the problem.”
Nigel harbours reservations about being able to afford his rent come renewal time later this year. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez weighed in on the subject, stating: “It isn’t fair that those who have three, four or five apartments as short-term rentals pay less tax than hotels or workers.”
Nigel lives with his ‘queen’ Nancy, who he met seven years ago when relocating overseas. As prominent figures in the local scene, the future for Nigel and Nancy hangs in the balance amid escalating living costs.
Will the Spanish government’s new plans save the ‘King’ or will it be too late for the royalty and his loyal subjects of Benidorm?
Nigel concluded: “I am hoping to renew my 10 year contract later in the year. I want to stay where I am, but we have been a little concerned by how much our rent will rise…”