Let's talk about...tourists, go home!

What's going on in Spain?

Local residents in cities like Barcelona, Palma, and Granada took to the streets, armed not with placards, but water pistols. Their message? Enough is enough. Fed up with overcrowded streets, rising rents, and vanishing neighbourhoods, locals are calling out the pressures of mass tourism.

Is this a new thing?

Anti-tourism protests have been brewing since at least April 2024 in Spain's Canary and Balearic Islands and Barcelona. This week's wave marks the first coordinated Southern Europe action under the 'SET' banner - Southern Europe Against Overtourism.

Is it happening elsewhere?

Yes. From Venice's entrance fees to Amsterdam's campaigns against late-night revelry, European cities are finding creative ways to manage visitor numbers. In Greece, timed-entry tickets control crowds at the Acropolis. In Japan, signage asks tourists to respect geisha districts in Kyoto. It also introduced a toll for climbing Mt. Fuji to control overcrowding.

But aren't tourists good for the economy?

Of course. They support livelihoods, local businesses, and culture. But when tourism tips into overtourism, the costs add up: housing becomes unaffordable, heritage sites get damaged, and daily life becomes difficult for residents.

So, what are governments doing?

Some cities are taking action. Barcelona plans to phase out 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028. Other places are promoting off-season and offbeat travel to distribute the footfall. It's all about balance - keeping cities livable for residents and enjoyable for visitors.

If I am planning a holiday...

Travel mindfully. Tourism needs a reset. Residents aren't anti-tourist - they are pro-balance. Thoughtful travel, better urban planning, and respect for local life can ensure that destinations remain vibrant - for both those who visit, and those who call it home.