Cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens are experiencing a resurgence of anti-tourism protests as locals and activists push back against the negative impacts of over-tourism.

The Covid-19 pandemic had provided temporary relief from the influx of tourists, but with travel rebounding, cities are struggling with issues like rising housing prices, gentrification, and scarce water resources. In Barcelona, for instance, tourists consume significantly more water than residents, exacerbating the effects of drought. In Sicily, water shortages have led some cities to turn away tourists altogether.

Despite the economic boost tourism provides—e.g., Portugal, Greece, and Spain outperformed other EU countries in 2023 with growth rates above 2%—many locals are frustrated. In Palma de Mallorca, about 20,000 activists protested against the overwhelming number of visitors, which surged to 14.4 million in 2023 for a population of 1.2 million. Similar protests have occurred across Spain and in other tourist-heavy countries like Portugal, Italy, and Greece.

Cities have attempted various measures to manage tourism, from banning selfies in Portofino to imposing €5 entry fees in Venice. However, these efforts often face backlash and limited success. Barcelona plans to close short-term apartment rentals by 2028 to address housing shortages, and Amsterdam has banned the construction of new hotels.

Some cities are exploring alternative approaches. Copenhagen is rewarding climate-friendly tourist behaviors, such as biking and public transport use, with incentives like free museum entries.

Sandra Carvão of the UN’s tourism agency emphasizes the need for a balanced tourism strategy that considers economic, social, and environmental impacts, and listens to local residents. The challenge remains to find effective solutions to manage tourism while preserving the quality of life for residents.

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