Spain grapples ⁣with overtourism ‍amid ⁢rising protests

⁢ ‍ Updated June 16, 2025

Demonstrations erupted across Spain and other European hotspots ⁢Sunday as residents protested the impact of mass tourism. Activists say⁣ the influx‍ of summer visitors is driving up housing costs and displacing locals.

In⁣ Barcelona⁤ and Mallorca, some protesters sprayed ‍tourists with water guns as part of a⁣ coordinated effort to ⁤highlight the downsides of overtourism.Thousands⁢ rallied⁢ in Mallorca, while hundreds gathered in cities including Venice and Lisbon.

Andreu⁣ Martínez, ⁢a barcelona resident, explained the water ‍gun tactic: “The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit. Barcelona has been handed to ⁣the tourists. ‍This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.”

Martínez says his ⁢rent has increased by over 30% as apartments are ⁣converted to short-term tourist rentals.He added that traditional businesses are being replaced by souvenir shops and fast-food outlets.

“Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming⁤ to ⁢an end,” Martínez said. “We ‍are being pushed ⁣out systematically.”

In Palma, Mallorca, ⁤around 5,000 protesters chanted, “Everywhere you ⁣look, all you see are tourists.” Housing‍ costs on the Balearic island have soared ⁤due to the growth of the short-term rental market.⁤ Protests⁤ also took place in Granada, San Sebastián, and Ibiza.

In venice, activists unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotels. They ⁣say the last resident of one historic building was evicted last year.

Barcelona protesters held signs reading “One more tourist, one less ‍resident” and affixed stickers with messages like “Tourist Go ⁢home” to hotels and hostels.

Wanda and Bill Dorozenski, American tourists in Barcelona, were caught in the protest. Wanda Dorozenski ⁣said the water was refreshing and added, “These people are feeling⁢ something to them that is very personal, and is perhaps destroying some⁢ areas (of the city).”

The demonstrations reflect a growing global struggle ⁣to manage mass tourism and the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. Spain, which welcomed ⁣a ⁤record 94 million international visitors in 2024, has⁤ been a focal⁤ point of this discontent.

Spanish authorities are attempting to⁣ balance the economic benefits of tourism,which contributes 12% of the ⁢nation’s ⁤GDP,with the concerns of⁣ residents.

Last month, the Spanish government ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 holiday rentals for⁣ violating local regulations. Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the tourism sector “cannot ⁤jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,” including the right⁢ to housing.

Barcelona’s city hall has announced plans to eliminate all⁢ 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028.

Airbnb’s general director for Spain and Portugal, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, argues that politicians are using the platform as a scapegoat for broader housing and tourism policy issues.

Txema Escorsa, a teacher in Barcelona, opposes Airbnb and no longer uses it when traveling. “you realize that this is‍ taking away housing from people,” Escorsa said.

Barcelona has also implemented‍ a tourist tax to fund infrastructure⁢ improvements in public schools. Deputy Mayor⁣ Laia ⁣Bonet said the tax revenue is vital “so that⁣ we can accept tourism in our ⁤city and the role that tourism ⁢has.”

Activist Agnes Rodriguez, though, believes the government ⁣should fund such projects independently of tourism revenue.”If you’re coming to Barcelona⁤ tonight…and you’re staying in a tourist apartment were a family should be living,you are part of this city changing,” ‍Rodriguez said.

What’s next

The debate over sustainable tourism is expected to continue, ⁤with ⁤further regulations and community initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of overtourism in Spain and across Europe.