Spain Gears Up for Further Anti-Tourism Demonstrations
Following significant anti-tourism protests last summer, residents across Spain are preparing to escalate demonstrations during this year’s peak tourist season. Local populations in popular destinations including Barcelona, Majorca, and Andalusia, previously voiced their discontent regarding the influx of holidaymakers they perceive as overwhelming their communities.
Resident Grievances Mount Amid Tourist Influx
In major urban centers like Barcelona, inhabitants have reported grappling with soaring accommodation costs. Simultaneously, in areas such as Benidorm, environmental advocates have directly linked the tourism sector to intensifying water scarcity issues. Notably, in Villajoyosa, situated near Benidorm, environmentalist Jaime Vaello previously highlighted overtourism as the root cause of “saturation of public services,” the “erosion of native culture,” and increased exposure of local Spaniards to “anti-social activities.”
Majorca Experiences Significant Protests
In 2024, Majorca witnessed substantial demonstrations, with over 15,000 protestors taking to the streets. Activists vocalized their opposition with chants of “tourists go home” and banners displaying slogans such as “Salvem Mallorca, guiris arruix.” This Catalan Spanish phrase translates to “Let’s save Majorca, foreigners out.”
Another banner conveyed the message: “Wherever you look, they’re all guiris.” The term “guiri” is a colloquial expression often employed to describe foreign tourists, particularly those from Britain, and carries connotations of rowdy behavior, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of cultural sensitivity.
Barcelona Plans Tourist Tax Increase
In response to the ongoing challenges, Barcelona is proposing to double its tourist tax, potentially raising it to €15 (£12.63) per night. Jordi Valls, a deputy mayor of the city, stated to CNN, “We think tourist demand is unstoppable.”
He added, “Everyone is welcome. But there’s a limit,” although he did not specify a precise figure. “The only possibility is to control the supply.”