Protests Erupt Across Southern Europe Against Mass Tourism Impact

Demonstrations featuring squirt guns and luggage marches took place in various cities as residents voice their grievances over rising living costs and environmental degradation linked to the tourism industry.

In a notable display of discontent, cities across southern Europe saw a resurgence of protests against mass tourism on Sunday. In Barcelona, Spain, activists took to the streets wielding squirt guns, echoing previous demonstrations aimed at raising awareness about the mounting costs of living and the environmental consequences that accompany the influx of tourists.

In Genoa, Italy, protesters rolled suitcases through the cobbled streets as part of a "noisy stroll," while in Lisbon, Portugal, a handmade effigy of the local patron saint was paraded to challenge the development of a proposed five-star hotel. Additionally, in Majorca, locals halted a tourist double-decker bus, igniting flares and displaying banners that captured their frustrations.

This round of protests built upon a weekend of planning sessions held in Barcelona earlier in the year, fortified by a network of activists under the banner of the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification. The movement is gaining traction among residents who are increasingly affected by the repercussions of overtourism, including exorbitant housing costs and environmental destruction.

Participants voiced their discontent with slogans such as “Tourists go home” and “Tourism is stealing from us,” particularly evident during the march on Barcelona's affluent Golden Mile, where luxury brands flourish. In a tense moment, confrontations occurred when demonstrators clashed with hostel employees, leading to fireworks being set off nearby. The demonstration was ultimately stopped by police near the famed Sagrada Família Basilica, a prime tourist destination.

“The general perception is that these people have way more money than we do,” stated Joan Mas, a waiter from Barcelona. “They come here to party, to rent places we can’t afford.” Mas emphasized that the tourism model primarily benefits the hospitality and real estate sectors, often at the expense of local residents.

The protests are the latest expression of a growing movement that seeks to address quality of life issues raised by the overwhelming presence of tourists in these picturesque cities. As such gatherings continue to gain momentum, residents are determined to reclaim their neighborhoods from the grip of mass tourism.