In Spain, coordinated protests occurred in eight cities, including Barcelona, Granada, Palma and Ibiza, where local campaigners argue that the continuous influx of tourists is driving locals out of affordable housing, inflating everyday costs, and disrupting the daily functionality of urban centres.
Similar sentiments were echoed in Portugal’s capital Lisbon, where protestors highlighted the pressure short-term rentals and visitor-driven development have placed on housing access for residents. In Italy, marches and public gatherings were reported in several high-profile tourism cities, including Venice, Genoa, Palermo, Milan and Naples.
The demonstrations mark the latest in a growing wave of civil actions seen across southern Europe in recent years, as locals increasingly push back against tourism models they say prioritise profit over livability. Organising groups are calling on governments to implement stronger regulations on short-term rentals, limit cruise traffic, and promote more sustainable tourism practices.
WTTC issued a statement on anti-tourism protests:
“Travel & Tourism brings significant economic benefits, not just for large travel corporations, but for local businesses and small companies that supply them.
The sector creates employment and revenue from international and domestic visitors. It should not be blamed for wider issues like housing shortages, which often have complex, deep-rooted causes beyond the sector’s influence. Travel & Tourism generates substantial tax revenues. Governments must engage with communities to ensure these funds are reinvested to meet local needs like improved infrastructure
WTTC supports responsible Travel & Tourism that benefits people and works with governments to help achieve it”.
Tags: overtourism, anti-tourism protests, WTTC
