The latest decision by the local authority’s economy and infrastructure committee follows Scottish government approval and a six-week public consultation.
Highland Council said control areas were not a ban on short-term lets, or affected empty properties or purpose-built holiday accommodation.
It said it wanted to achieve “a better balance” between tourism growth and local housing needs.
It has previously said some parts of the Highlands were experiencing “strong demand” from buyers outside the Highlands, with a “significant number” of sold or new-built properties subsequently converted into short-term lets.
It said in Skye and Lochalsh 13.6% of homes sold between 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 became short-term lets.
The council said in Inverness there was an issue with flats in the city centre and certain streets being turned into holiday accommodation.
Committee chairman Ken Gowans said: “STLCAs will help us strike a better balance between supporting tourism growth and protecting much-needed housing for local people.
“The introduction of STLCAs is not about stopping short-term lets, but about ensuring the future conversion of residential homes to short-term lets are properly considered through the planning system.”
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caters has previously raised concerns about control zones, saying there were better ways of increasing the availability of homes.