Thousands gathered in cities like Barcelona, Genoa, and Lisbon, calling for sustainable tourism practices.
Protests Against Mass Tourism Surge in Southern Europe
Protests Against Mass Tourism Surge in Southern Europe
Activists use humor and creativity to spotlight the negative impact of tourism on local communities.
In various cities across southern Europe, protests erupted as concerned citizens rallied against the effects of mass tourism on their daily lives and environments. Equipped with squirt guns and dragging roller bags, demonstrators took to the streets of Barcelona, Spain on Sunday, a pivotal event in a series of planned actions. Touching on simmering frustrations regarding skyrocketing housing costs, dwindling local resources, and environmental degradation, these activists are channeling their ire creatively.
In Genoa, Italy, marchers loudly rolled their suitcases along the cobblestone streets, dubbing their demonstration a "noisy stroll." Meanwhile, in Lisbon, activists carried a handmade effigy of Saint Anthony, the city's patron saint, parading past a construction site of a planned luxury hotel. On the Spanish island of Majorca, residents successfully halted a double-decker tourist bus, igniting flares and displaying signs of protest.
The protests in Barcelona, known as the "Golden Mile," where high-end boutiques line the streets, witnessed demonstrators carrying slogans such as “Tourists go home” and “Tourism is stealing from us.” A spray of water aimed at unsuspecting tourists outside upscale shops became a centerpiece of the demonstration. However, tensions escalated as scuffles broke out near local hostels, with protesters igniting fireworks before police intervened.
These recent protests trace back to awareness workshops organized by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification, held in April after last summer's protests introduced squirt guns as symbols of discontent. Organizers of the protests assert that the insatiable demand of tourists is detrimental to the quality of life for locals, causing inflation in housing costs that restricts residents from accessing affordable living.
“The general perception is that these people have way more money than we do,” said Joan Mas, a 31-year-old waiter from Barcelona. “They come here to party, and we’re left to serve drinks. It’s about the tourism model that prioritizes profits over people.” As the movement gains traction, it hopes to encourage local and governmental action towards a more sustainable tourism framework.
In Genoa, Italy, marchers loudly rolled their suitcases along the cobblestone streets, dubbing their demonstration a "noisy stroll." Meanwhile, in Lisbon, activists carried a handmade effigy of Saint Anthony, the city's patron saint, parading past a construction site of a planned luxury hotel. On the Spanish island of Majorca, residents successfully halted a double-decker tourist bus, igniting flares and displaying signs of protest.
The protests in Barcelona, known as the "Golden Mile," where high-end boutiques line the streets, witnessed demonstrators carrying slogans such as “Tourists go home” and “Tourism is stealing from us.” A spray of water aimed at unsuspecting tourists outside upscale shops became a centerpiece of the demonstration. However, tensions escalated as scuffles broke out near local hostels, with protesters igniting fireworks before police intervened.
These recent protests trace back to awareness workshops organized by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification, held in April after last summer's protests introduced squirt guns as symbols of discontent. Organizers of the protests assert that the insatiable demand of tourists is detrimental to the quality of life for locals, causing inflation in housing costs that restricts residents from accessing affordable living.
“The general perception is that these people have way more money than we do,” said Joan Mas, a 31-year-old waiter from Barcelona. “They come here to party, and we’re left to serve drinks. It’s about the tourism model that prioritizes profits over people.” As the movement gains traction, it hopes to encourage local and governmental action towards a more sustainable tourism framework.
