Tourism has a bit of a bad name right now, with destinations all over Europe and the world implementing restrictions, fines, entry fees and flat-out bans on tourist behaviours to try and improve the livelihoods of local people.
Spain has been at the forefront of this movement, with a shedload of rules that have been announced over the last couple of years, but spots all over the continent are beginning to call time on their overwhelming visitor numbers, and now, a big day of protests is approaching.
Going to be in southern Europe this weekend? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the tourism protests which are expected across Spain, Portugal and Italy, including the specific cities taking part, how to stay up to date on the protests’ whereabouts and the motivation behind the demonstrations. So, read on for everything you need to know.
Recommended: Can popular European cities ever recover from overtourism?
When and where are the protests expected?
On Sunday June 15, protests are expected in a large number of destinations across sunny southern Europe, though it’s not a centralised schedule of events, according to AFAR. Below is a list of cities and regions where they’ll almost definitely be taking place, according to both Catalan News and a spokesperson from Majorca-based activist group Menys Turisme, Més Vida:
Spain
- Barcelona
- Majorca
- Bilbao
- Donostia-San Sebastián
- Ibiza
- Valencia
- Palma
- Menorca
- Seville
- Granada
- Cantabria
- Tenerife
- Málaga
Italy
Portugal
According to the New York Times, protestors could also be turning out to picket at airports, blockade tour buses and obstruct entry to popular attractions. However, it’s important to note that tourists themselves aren’t the targets of these protests. Instead, they’re directed towards governments.
Why are people protesting?
At the core of these protests is ‘growing concern over the uncontrolled growth of tourism and its negative effects on local communities,’ said Pablo Calvo, Spain Manager for travel operator Tours For You. The issues include rising housing costs (for buyers and renters), housing shortages, overcrowding (and subsequent strains on public resources), and working conditions for those in hospitality, according to Condé Nast Traveller.
‘Our actions are not against tourists. They’re against the economic model we have based on tourism,’ said Pere Joan, a spokesperson for Menys Turisme, Més Vida. ‘Our narrative is that we don’t have limits [on visitor numbers], and right now we are past the limits, so we need to reduce the number of tourists. We have to fight with the politicians who give false solutions.’
What’s the latest travel advice?
These protests have been organised under the umbrella of Southern Europe Network Against Touristification, or the SET Network, which is a grassroots group that was founded back in 2017. Tourism experts are encouraging visitors to stay informed about scheduled protests by keeping an eye on local news, and steering clear to avoid disruption.
A representative of We Hate Tourism in Lisbon, Bruno Gomes, said aggressive behaviour towards tourists is not expected, but it’s worth noting that water guns have become something of a symbol for the anti-tourism movement, so if you do pass by a demonstration, be prepared for some spray.
More on overtourism in Europe
We’ve compiled a list of all the destinations that want tourists to stay away, as well as one of all the destinations where you’ll have to pay tourist taxes.
Have a read of our deep-dive into whether popular European cities can ever recover from overtourism, and how to be a better tourist in these inundated hubs right now.
Check out our guide on the five amazing countries that actually need tourism right now, and brush up on our tips on how to be a more sustainable traveller. We also have lists on the world’s best sustainable tourism destinations.
Did you see these five quiet, beautiful European islands that have avoided overtourism?
Plus: Forget Spain – I went to Sweden and found the ideal summer holiday destination.
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