Massive Demonstrations Hit Southern Europe Over Tourism Impact
On Sunday, thousands of residents across Southern Europe took to the streets to protest against overtourism, highlighting the strain excessive visitor numbers place on housing and local communities. Barcelona witnessed some of the most vivid scenes, with demonstrators using water pistols, setting off colored smoke, and displaying bold banners reading “Mass tourism kills the city” and “Your holidays, my misery.”
Barcelona: The Epicenter of the Outcry
Barcelona, home to 1.6 million residents yet hosting nearly 26 million tourists last year, has become a hotspot for protests framed by the alliance SET (Southern Europe Against Overtourism). Approximately 600 people marched through the city’s streets, slapping protest stickers urging tourists to leave on hotel windows and local shops. Amid tensions, hotel staff confronted some demonstrators, underscoring the complicated dynamics between workers and residents caught in the tourism surge.
Wider Movement Across Spain and Italy
Similar anti-overtourism demonstrations spread throughout other Spanish cities like Ibiza, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, San Sebastián, and Granada. Italy joined the chorus, with protests in Genoa, Naples, Palermo, Milan, and Venice. In Venice, locals actively resist two new hotel projects that could introduce around 15,000 additional tourist beds, exacerbating fears of losing their beloved city’s charm and affordability.
Calls for Radical Change in Economic Model
Barcelona’s authorities have already responded with plans to ban tourist apartment rentals by 2028, aiming to restore livability for residents. Eva Vilaseca, a 38-year-old protester, expressed a sentiment shared widely: “I’m tired of feeling like a burden in my own city. We need a radical cut in tourist numbers and a new economic model that benefits everyone, not just the tourism industry.”
Tourism Growth Continues Despite Local Pushback
Despite the protests, international travel spending in Europe is forecasted to rise by 11% this year, reaching $838 billion. Spain and France are set to welcome record numbers of visitors, intensifying the challenge of balancing economic benefits with the quality of life for local populations. The debate over the future of tourism in Europe is far from settled.
Next Steps
On the same day, a related protest was scheduled in Lisbon, reinforcing the growing concerns shared by citizens across Southern Europe. As cities struggle with the consequences of mass tourism, the pressure mounts on policymakers to find sustainable solutions that prioritize residents’ welfare without completely shutting out visitors.
Key Takeaways
- Barcelona sees protests against rising tourism disrupting local life.
- Anti-overtourism actions expanded across Spain and Italy.
- Calls for reducing tourist numbers and shifting economic reliance.
- Europe expects a strong rebound in travel spending despite pushback.
- Cities face urgent need to balance tourism benefits with livability.
