Spain's tourism backlash: Protests escalate nationwide
In Spain, further protests against mass tourism are planned. On 15th June, residents of Barcelona and San Sebastian will take to the streets. Protests will also be held in the Balearic Islands.
In Spain, where a record 94 million foreign tourists visited in 2024, dissatisfaction with mass tourism is growing.
Shooting at tourists with water guns
In mid-May, over 20,000 people took to the streets in the Canary Islands. In many cities, residents use water guns to show their discontent by shooting tourists with them.
In July 2024, residents of Barcelona poured water on tourists, chanting "Tourists go home". The city council condemns these actions, emphasising that protests should be conducted with respect for visitors. Nevertheless, such incidents recur during subsequent protests. Recently, passengers on a tourist bus were sprayed with water in front of the Sagrada Familia church.
Protesters sometimes cordon off restaurant tables with tape, insult beachgoers, or write on cars with foreign license plates. The conflict seems to have no end.
Interestingly, such behaviour does not deter tourists from holidaying in Spain. During the protests, many tourists laugh in the faces of the residents and even make contemptuous gestures, such as showing the middle finger.
Further protests are announced for 15th June.
They want restrictions
Spanish autonomous communities are taking steps to limit mass tourism. In autumn, a new tourist tax is planned for Barcelona, which can be up to 15 euros (about £13) per night. The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, has also announced the closure of all short-term rentals by 2028.
"Tourism steals our bread, roof over our heads, and our future!" alarmed the ABDT assembly, which organises actions against mass tourism.
Although residents may dislike mass tourism, the fact remains that millions of tourists generate billions of euros in revenue for the national economy.
The tourism sector in Spain accounts for over 12 per cent of the country's GDP and employs more than 2.5 million people. The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that by 2034, the tourism contribution to Spain's GDP could rise to 17 per cent.
