Activists across southern Europe are gearing up for a significant event on June 15 – a unified stand against the impacts of tourism. This isn’t just any ordinary protest; it’s a carefully planned series of actions orchestrated by groups like the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification. These activists are fueled by concerns over rising rents, overcrowding, and what they perceive as the erosion of their communities due to tourism.
The stage was set during a recent workshop in Barcelona where representatives from various cities came together to strategize. Among them were delegates from Venice, Lisbon, Palermo, and several other destinations known for their tourist appeal. The primary agenda? To shed light on the pressing need to control the expansion of tourism in their regions.
The Call for Action
The discussions at the workshop revolved around impactful tactics that could draw attention to their cause. From organized marches and picketing at airports to disrupting access to historical sites and blockading tour buses, these demonstrators are planning a day filled with symbolic gestures aimed at making tourists pause and reconsider their impact.
One striking example was seen last year in Barcelona when protesters armed with water guns playfully squirted unsuspecting visitors along Las Ramblas boulevard. This lighthearted yet poignant act garnered global media coverage and is now being adopted as a signature move by activists preparing for this year’s protests.
Tensions Rise
As tensions mount between residents advocating for controlled tourism growth and authorities striving to balance economic interests with local welfare, cities like Barcelona find themselves caught in the crossfire. Despite implementing measures such as restricting new hotel constructions and imposing bans on short-term rentals, these places continue to grapple with the challenges posed by overtourism.
Mateu Hernández, director general of Barcelona Tourism expressed disappointment over the timing of these planned demonstrations given the city’s efforts towards sustainable urban tourism. He highlighted how global movements often fail to acknowledge local initiatives aimed at mitigating overtourism’s adverse effects.
Looking Ahead
With international travel numbers projected to soar in the coming months, it appears that 2025 will witness an upsurge in anti-tourism protests across various European hotspots. Canary Islands is slated for a demonstration on May 18th where organizers hint at more assertive forms of protest compared to last year’s events that drew massive crowds onto streets.
The activists’ resolve culminated in a symbolic gesture outside Sagrada Família church – an iconic tourist magnet in Barcelona – where they surrounded a tour bus laden with passengers. As they hung banners announcing the upcoming protests and squirted water guns playfully, Elena Boschi from Genoa emphasized that their intent wasn’t harm but awareness – urging visitors to be mindful of their impact on local communities.
As we brace ourselves for summer 2025, one thing is clear – amidst picturesque landscapes and historic marvels lies an undercurrent of dissent simmering within communities grappling with the ramifications of unbridled tourism growth.
