Anti-Tourism Sentiment Surges in Spain as Locals Rally for Change

Despite the traditional slowdown in visitors during the winter, the discontent regarding over-tourism in Spain is intensifying, with more protests planned in various cities. Residents of San Sebastian in the Basque Country are set to demonstrate on Sunday under the rallying cry: “We are in danger; degrow tourism!” Their calls echo similar sentiments expressed in other popular tourist destinations such as Seville and the Canary Islands, with the latter witnessing thousands of protesters last weekend.The protests mark a significant moment in shaping attitudes towards tourism in Spain, a sector that is recovering rapidly post-COVID. With Spain expected to draw over 90 million international visitors by year-end, and projections indicating an increase to 115 million by 2040, many locals are expressing concerns over the sustainability of this growth.Activists claim that tourism, while economically beneficial for some, is degrading the quality of life for residents. For instance, Bizilagunekin, a local civic group in San Sebastian, argues that tourism-centric policies have commodified public spaces and led to housing crises, pushing locals out of their neighborhoods. "We are losing the essence of our community to short-term visitors," said Asier Basurto, a group member.This growing frustration is not without reason; Spain is grappling with a housing crisis exacerbated by rising rental prices linked to the influx of tourists. Notably, nearly half of market-rate renting families are at risk of poverty, reflecting widespread societal issues fueled by tourism's dominance.Despite these challenges, the tourism sector remains a critical component of Spain’s economy, contributing 13% to GDP and providing millions of jobs. Advocates for tourism argue that it is vital for economic recovery following the pandemic. However, tensions are rising as incidents of hostility towards tourists are emerging, underscoring the growing divide between residents and visitors.As the movement gains momentum, some local governments are responding to the calls for reform. Measures include banning short-term tourist apartments in Barcelona by 2028 and raising visitation fees in tourist-heavy areas. However, activists like Basurto remain skeptical, insisting that continued protests are essential for achieving genuine change. "We must act now, or it will be too late for our communities," he warned.