Introduction to Anti-Tourism Protests
The protests against mass tourism begin again on time for summer vacation. In recent years, they have entered the footsteps of large-scale anti-tourism demonstrations in vacation hotspots in Italy, Portugal and especially in Spain. The coalition of activists and activists, from whom Sur de Europa Contra La Turistización (southern Europe against touristification) is composed, asked for demonstrations again on June 15 in Venice, Milan, Lisbon, San Sebastián, Valencia, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands.
Understanding Overtourism
Members of the group recently met for a conference in Barcelona to discuss the oversoles who, according to the UN World Tourism Organization, is usually defined as the point where the locals or visitor believes that tourism has negatively influenced the quality of life in a region in an unacceptable conclusion. This is the case with many people in Barcelona, where large-scale demonstrations have taken place with thousands of participants in recent years. The mixture also contains attention-grated tactics with water pistols.
The Situation in Barcelona
In 2024, demonstrators in Barcelona were unsuspecting tourists about the popular promenade of Las Ramblas to draw attention to the problem of surface. It worked – a media flooding followed, as did several other incidents with water pistols that have become a symbol of the fight against Overtourism in Barcelona. In April, for example, activists blocked a tour bus that was parked in front of the Sagrada Família – one of the best attractions in the city – and soaked stunned tourists with water pistols. Sangs from "Tourists go home" were heard in the air.
Impact on Local Life
"The type of tourism that we have in Barcelona today is not compatible with the life of the local population," said Daniel Pardo, member of the neighborhood assembly for the tourism maintenance. Pardo has been involved in the organization of anti-tourism campaigns for years. He and others want to hire the rampant tourism growth, which has led to loud roads, air pollution and overcrowding in their city. "The moment when it was still possible to find a balance came to an end a long time ago." Pardo stipulates that it is not just about protesting mass tourism, but also about taking a "most tourism-most culture" that prioritizes the tourism industry against the quality of life of many local.
Creation of Jobs – but at What Costs?
Around 30 million tourists visit Barcelona a year, one city in which around 1.7 million people are located. The majority came from Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Germany, followed by the United States. According to city officials, the tourism industry generates around 14% of the city’s gross domestic product and supports 150,000 jobs. "Yes, this is always used as an argument for why we shouldn’t complain," says Pardo. "But we still complain!" Many jobs in tourism are full of precarious working conditions with wages that are below average. "Ultimately, the dependence on tourism impoverished the population," he says.
Local Concerns
However, the short-term rental market is only one aspect of how tourist areas change. Traditional retail also disappears in some Spanish holiday cities. It is getting easier to find an ice cream parlor or a souvenir shop than, for example, a bakery or a supermarket. As a result, the locals feel alienated and move away. "Tourism drives us from our houses, villages and neighborhoods," writes the Spanish group Menys Turisme, Més Vida (less tourism, more life) on their website to protest on June 15.
Government Response
In June, the city council of Barcelona announced that it would abolish short-term holiday rentals by 2028 and that the licenses will no longer be extended after expiry. But for good or bad, tourism is one of the main pillars of the Barcelona economy. The growth of the sector has played an important role in the economic revival of the city, say city officials. However, Jordi Valls, the city official responsible for tourism, admits that tourism in Barcelona cannot continue to grow. "We reach our border," he says.
Need for a Real Debate
The activist Daniel Pardo admits that "at least no politician dares to demand further growth of the city". However, he points out that concrete measures have to be taken to alleviate the problem and improve the life of the residents. "We need a real debate about the limits of tourism," he says. The upcoming protest hopes that this debate will take place earlier.
