British tourists visiting European cities could face anti-tourism protests as protestors warn they want to instil “fear” among the visitors.
Upset locals in holiday hotspots across Spain, Italy, France and Portugal have refused to rule out targeting airport buildings to deter holidaymakers. Protestors claimed that overtourism has led to soaring rents and a lack of affordable homes. At a summit in Barcelona, protestor Elena Boschi told The Mirror: “We want tourists to have some level of fear about the situation – without fear, there is no change.”
The organisation, called SET European Network Against Touristification, consists of protest groups representing 17 cities, islands and communities across southern Europe.
Delegates from various regions have convened for a three-day summit, advocating an end to “predatory tourism,” which they claim has caused unaffordable rents, hindered homeownership, and led to noticeable harm to beaches and natural areas.
The meeting follows last summer’s protests, during which hundreds of thousands of Spaniards rallied across 40 cities nationwide. Between May and July, over 50,000 demonstrators took to the streets in Palma, the capital of Majorca.
Overtourism in Spain has become a significant issue, particularly in popular destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, and the Balearic Islands.
The influx of tourists has led to challenges such as strained infrastructure, environmental damage, and housing shortages.
In Majorca, locals have voiced concerns about the negative impact of tourism on their quality of life, including gentrification and rising living costs. Protests have erupted in various cities, with residents advocating for sustainable tourism practices and limits on tourist numbers.
Despite these challenges, tourism remains a vital part of Spain’s economy, contributing around 13% to its GDP and employing millions of people.
Efforts are being made to address overtourism, including implementing tourist taxes and promoting less-visited regions.
