In brief
As winter approaches, anti-tourism protests are gaining momentum in Spain, with demonstrators highlighting issues of "touristification" that alienate residents from their own cities. The ongoing backlash reflects a widespread feeling that the tourism industry, while economically significant, is overstepping its bounds, adversely affecting local cultures and communities.
Anger against over-tourism in Spain is not subsiding even as the busy summer season comes to an end. As winter vacationers flock to popular destinations in search of sun, locals are mobilizing to voice their concerns about the ongoing "touristification" of their cities. In San Sebastian, residents are set to march this Sunday under the provocative slogan: “We are in danger; degrow tourism!” Similar protests are scheduled in Seville this November, echoing discontent that began earlier this year.Spain is expected to welcome over 90 million international visitors in 2023, a figure that is projected to reach 115 million by 2040, according to consultancy firm Braintrust. The latest travel boom has led to widespread frustrations, particularly in tourist-heavy regions such as the Canary Islands, where thousands protested the industry’s expansion last weekend.Starting in April, protests aimed at halting specific tourism projects included a hunger strike in Tenerife. Many demonstrators have taken to direct actions like squiring tourists with water pistols in Barcelona while chanting "Tourists go home!". In each case, the complaints center on a feeling that tourism, while lucrative, is harming local life and community structures. Bizilagunekin, a civic organization in the Basque region, stated that tourism prioritizes visitors at the expense of residents. Asier Basurto, a representative from Bizilagunekin, explained that the worsening situation results from adapting public services for tourists rather than fostering the needs of the local population, leading to precarious employment and increased rental prices. The housing crisis, exacerbated by short-term rentals, threatens to drive locals away from historic districts, turning vibrant cities into mere attractions for short-term visitors.Despite complaints about tourism’s adverse effects on housing and local culture, the tourism industry remains an essential aspect of Spain's economy, constituting approximately 13% of its GDP and providing three million direct jobs. The conflicting emotions surrounding tourism come to a head in places like Playa de las Américas in Tenerife, where chasm-like divides between tourists and protesters have led to displays of hostility and discomfort.In response to the protests, local authorities are instituting measures such as caps on cruise ships and a ban on short-term tourist apartments in Barcelona starting in 2028. Still, local activists caution that these solutions fall short. Basurto voiced his belief that without significant changes now, the situation will spiral out of control.As hopes for a balanced approach to tourism continue to dwindle, the momentum behind these anti-tourism protests signifies a crucial dialogue about the sustainability and future direction of the travel industry in Spain.
