Anti-tourism protests surge across southern Europe as activists target airports

A significant wave of anti-tourism protests is unfolding across popular holiday destinations in southern Europe, with local activists signalling a readiness to disrupt operations at airport facilities frequented by British and other tourists. The unrest is primarily centred on major tourist hotspots in Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal, where residents and advocacy groups argue that overtourism has caused considerable social and economic challenges.

The protests have been organised under the banner of the SET European Network Against Touristification, a coalition that brings together representatives from 17 cities, islands, and communities. Their collective aim is to tackle what they describe as "predatory tourism," which they assert has contributed to a surge in rent prices, restricted opportunities for homeownership, and inflicted environmental damage. These concerns are said to have sparked widespread demonstrations in recent years, including mass gatherings of more than 50,000 individuals in Palma, Majorca, between May and July last summer.

The coalition recently held a three-day summit in Barcelona to deliberate on the impacts of overtourism and to strategise further actions. At the summit, protestor Elena Boschi addressed the media, telling The Mirror, “We want tourists to have some level of fear about the situation – without fear, there is no change.” This statement underscores the seriousness with which protestors view their campaign, signalling a potential escalation in tactics aimed at deterring visitors.

Spain, in particular, continues to draw millions of tourists each summer, making it a focal point for such activism. The coordinated efforts by these groups aim to draw attention to the broader consequences of mass tourism, including the pressure it places on local housing markets and natural landscapes. The movement echoes concerns that have been voiced in numerous European cities where tourism is a dominant industry but also a source of strain on local infrastructure and communities.

The Express reports on the ongoing tension between tourist influxes and resident advocacy efforts, highlighting the complexities faced by popular travel destinations striving to balance economic benefits with quality of life for local populations.

Source: Noah Wire Services