European Cities Take a Stand Against Overtourism with Protest Tactics

Overtourism is becoming a pressing issue in several European cities, prompting local residents to voice their frustrations. Recently, protests erupted in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca, where demonstrators employed an unusual method to express their dissatisfaction by spraying tourists with water guns.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that crowds marched through popular areas, brandishing signs with slogans like “One more tourist, one less resident” and “Tourist Go Home.” These demonstrations are part of a larger movement aimed at reshaping the local economies that residents feel have been overly influenced by tourists.

Residents Demand a Return to Local Culture

One protester, Andreu Martínez, shared with AP that the intention behind using squirt guns was to annoy tourists just enough to make a point. “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents,” he stated passionately.

Martínez highlighted the significant impact of tourism on the cost of living, citing a 30% increase in his rent due to the rise of short-term vacation rentals in his neighborhood. He articulated the deep sense of loss experienced by lifelong residents, saying, “Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming to an end. We are being pushed out systematically.”

Changes in Local Businesses

According to Martínez, traditional shops are vanishing, replaced by a slew of bubble tea shops and souvenir stores tailored for tourists. This shift is altering the unique character of neighborhoods, leaving many longtime residents feeling marginalized.

In response to these ongoing issues, the Spanish government took decisive action in May by ordering Airbnb to remove approximately 66,000 vacation rentals that were found to violate local regulations, as reported by AP. Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, the general director of Airbnb for Spain and Portugal, pushed back against the narrative that Airbnb is responsible for overtourism, suggesting that politicians have sought a scapegoat for their own policy shortcomings.

The Housing Crisis in Barcelona

In a city where short-term rentals have remained stagnant at around 10,000 units since 2014, officials have indicated a plan to ban such rentals altogether by 2028. Current city data shows that there are roughly 850,000 homes in Barcelona, making the short-term rental segment a small fraction of the total housing stock.

Broader Protests Across Europe

The frustration seen in Barcelona is not unique to Spain. Other popular tourist destinations in Europe, such as Venice, Italy, and Lisbon, Portugal, also witnessed similar protests recently, with locals rallying against the pressures exerted by high tourist traffic.

Tackling the Issue of Tourism Taxes

In a bid to manage tourist numbers, several countries have introduced or are planning to implement taxes targeting visitors. For instance, Greek authorities are proposing a $22 tax for tourists arriving by cruise ship in stunning destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. Meanwhile, Venice’s officials have launched a pilot program intending to charge a $5.17 entry fee for day trippers, with plans to potentially double this tax in the future.

These measures reflect a growing sentiment across Europe, recognizing that unchecked tourism can devastate local cultures and economies. While intended to protect the local populace, the effectiveness and public reception of these initiatives can vary significantly.

A Balancing Act

Cities must find a delicate balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the quality of life for residents. The protests seen in Barcelona and beyond signal an urgent call for dialogue between governments, civic organizations, and the tourism industry.

Ultimately, successful reform will hinge on the ability of leaders to incorporate the voices of local communities in decision-making processes. As many residents articulate their decline in quality of life, the responsibility falls on policymakers to ensure sustainable solutions that respect both tourism and local culture.

A New Chapter for Urban Tourism

As the dialogue surrounding overtourism continues to evolve, cities may need to heed the lessons learned from recent protests. By embracing innovative strategies and engaging with the feedback of residents, European destinations can strive for a tourism model that benefits everyone—not just visitors. This growing trend towards prioritizing local needs signals a shift in how cities approach tourism, moving toward a more integrated and sustainable framework for the future.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.