Anti-Tourism Protests Intensify in Spain: A Growing Concern for Expats and Locals Alike

As Spain gears up for another year of record-breaking tourism, the anti-tourism protests that have been simmering across the country are showing no signs of abating. The discontent, particularly among locals, is centered around the debilitating effects of overtourism on housing, the environment, and community life.

Housing Crisis and Tourism

In cities like Barcelona and the Canary Islands, the housing crisis has become a pivotal issue. The proliferation of short-term tourist rentals, largely facilitated by platforms like Airbnb, has driven housing costs beyond the reach of many locals. In Barcelona, for instance, the city council has vowed to ban all Airbnb-style accommodations by 2028, a move that has been met with both support and skepticism from residents and protesters alike[1][2].

Environmental and Social Impacts

The environmental toll of overtourism is another significant concern. In the Canary Islands, protests have been fierce, with activists highlighting the degradation of natural areas and the strain on local resources. In Tenerife, a hunger strike was launched in 2024 to oppose the construction of a new beach resort, underscoring the deep-seated worries about the impact of tourism on fragile ecosystems[2].

Protests and Vandalism

The protests have sometimes turned violent, with incidents of vandalism reported in several tourist areas. In Tenerife, over 230 sunbeds on the beaches of Las Vistas and El Camison were defaced by vandals, and in Seville, anti-tourism protesters smeared faeces on apartment lock boxes to protest Airbnb licenses[2].

Planned Actions for 2025

As the new year begins, there are indications that the protests will continue and possibly intensify. Nestor Marrero Rodríguez, secretary of the Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature (ATAN), has confirmed that several demonstrations are planned for 2025 in tourist areas. These protests will focus on demanding stricter regulations, including the implementation of a tourist eco-tax and limits on new constructions in favor of renovating existing hotels[1].

Government and Local Authority Responses

Authorities have begun to respond with various measures aimed at mitigating the effects of overtourism. In addition to Barcelona's plan to ban short-term tourist apartments, Palma de Mallorca has capped cruise ship arrivals to reduce congestion. The Canary Islands have introduced daily visitor limits for certain national parks and nature reserves to protect delicate ecosystems[1][2].

However, protesters argue that these measures are often too little, too late. The Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turístic (Assembly of Neighbourhoods for the Decline of Tourism or ABDT) in Barcelona believes that the city authorities are not doing enough to address the root issues, such as the housing emergency and environmental degradation. They advocate for a more radical approach, including the abandonment of tourism promotion policies and the adoption of an eco-social transition[1].

Impact on Expats and Tourists

For expats living in Spain and tourists planning to visit, it is essential to be aware of the local regulations and sentiments. Some regions are limiting cruise ships, banning short-term rentals, and reducing access to natural areas. Understanding these changes can help in navigating the evolving tourism landscape in Spain.

In conclusion, the anti-tourism protests in Spain reflect a broader struggle between the economic benefits of tourism and the need to preserve local communities and environments. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the authorities and protesters can find a balance that satisfies both the economic and social needs of the region.