An unprecedented influx of tourists has stirred anti-tourism sentiments in Spain and other European countries. From the picturesque streets of Barcelona to the historical sites of Athens, locals are increasingly vocal about the negative impacts of mass tourism, including soaring housing costs, inflation, and environmental degradation.
On July 6, thousands marched in Barcelona, followed by another large demonstration on July 22 in Mallorca. The Spanish collective Ecologistas, representing numerous associations, protested in El Puerto de Santa Maria against “uncontrolled mass tourism.” These movements reflect growing discontent as Spain witnessed a 14.5% increase in tourists in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the previous year, reaching an all-time high.
Popular destinations like Barcelona, Seville, Venice, and Paros are particularly affected. Residents complain about the strain on public services, rising living costs, and the invasion of public spaces. In response, some cities have begun implementing measures to manage the tourist influx. For example, Barcelona plans to ban short-term apartment rentals by 2028 and increase taxes for cruise passengers.
Other European cities face similar issues. Venice introduced a €5 entry fee for day-trippers, while Amsterdam raised its tourist tax to 12.5% and restricted new hotel constructions. In Greece, the Athenian district of Metaxourgeio is seeing a rise in coworking spaces for digital nomads, further exacerbating the housing crisis. The “beach towel revolt” in Paros protests against the privatization of beaches, and Santorini struggles with over-tourism, prompting authorities to consider visitor restrictions.
Despite the economic benefits, locals argue that mass tourism disrupts their lives and the environment. From the trampling of cliffs in Étretat, France, to the pollution on Mount Everest, the consequences are widespread. While acknowledging tourism’s value, residents demand sustainable practices to balance economic gains with quality of life and environmental protection. “We are not against tourists,” one protester in Spain clarified, “but against the type of tourism that pushes us out.”
