Protests Heat Up: Spanish Communities Rally Against Over-Tourism This Winter

In Spain, the anti-tourism movement, which gained traction during the summer months, is experiencing a resurgence as the winter season approaches. On Sunday, residents of the Basque city of San Sebastian are set to march under the slogan “We are in danger; degrow tourism!” Meanwhile, protests also loom in Seville, signaling that the pushback against over-tourism is far from over.This year's travel trends have led to record-breaking arrivals, with Spain anticipating over 90 million foreign visitors by year-end. However, local populations are increasingly voicing their concerns, reflecting a crucial shift in attitude towards tourism. According to Braintrust, a consultancy firm, projections indicate that visitor numbers could rise to 115 million by 2040, surpassing the current global leader, France.The protests, which commenced in April, began in the Canary Islands where demonstrators undertook a hunger strike to halt significant tourism projects. Since then, cities like Barcelona, Alicante, and the Balearics have experienced similar demonstrations. Activists argue that tourism, while economically beneficial for some, is detrimental to local communities. "Tourism is an economic model that chokes the rest of us,” asserts the civic group Bizilagunekin, organizing the San Sebastian demonstration.Participants contend that the surge in tourism is leading to a phenomenon known as “touristification,” wherein city services are prioritizing visitors over residents. As rents climb due to short-term tourist accommodations, many locals find themselves priced out of their neighborhoods. This trend exacerbates Spain's broader housing crisis, with the central bank noting that nearly half of all renting families are at risk of poverty.While supporters of tourism emphasize its contribution to Spain’s GDP and recovery from the pandemic, recent incidents underscore the rising tensions. Videos from popular beaches showcase stark contrasts between relaxed tourists and angry protesters voicing their frustrations.Concerns about "tourism-phobia" are also mounting, particularly in regions like the Canary Islands that rely heavily on winter tourism. Local authorities are attempting to mitigate backlash through various measures, including restrictions on short-term rentals and visitor limits in natural parks.Yet, as local activist Asier Basurto suggests, merely implementing regulations may not suffice. “Those who advocate tourism can no longer claim everything is rosy,” he warns, emphasizing the necessity for change before it's too late.