Tuesday, June 17, 2025
In June 2025, a wave of anti-tourism protests swept through Spain, causing widespread disruptions for tourists and casting a spotlight on the growing tension between locals and the tourism sector. The protests, which involved Spanish locals expressing frustration over the impacts of mass tourism, have drawn attention to the socioeconomic challenges faced by residents in popular tourist cities. The protests reached a boiling point when activists surrounded a hotel in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, targeting holidaymakers with water guns and shouting slogans like “tourism is terrorism” and “tourists go home.” As the protests unfold, the travel industry is left to navigate the growing backlash, as tensions continue to mount between local residents and the tourism sector.
Protests Erupt Across Spain: Tourists Targeted by Local Activists
The protests that began in early June quickly escalated into mass demonstrations across several Spanish cities, with Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona becoming the epicenters of the unrest. Activists blamed the influx of tourists for driving up the cost of living, forcing locals out of affordable housing, and making city centers increasingly uninhabitable. The protests peaked on June 16 and 17, 2025, when demonstrators in Palma de Mallorca surrounded upmarket restaurants like Cappuccino Borne in the city center, disrupting the evening meals of foreign tourists.
At the heart of the protest, activists shouted chants such as “As You Come, I Have To Go”, referring to the increasing gentrification of popular neighborhoods in Spain’s tourist hotspots. This resentment against tourists was not only directed at foreign visitors but also aimed at the larger systemic issues surrounding mass tourism and its impact on local communities.
The protest in Palma was met with criticism from regional governors, who expressed concern over the effects such protests could have on Spain’s tourism economy. Antoni Costa, the vice president of the Balearic Islands Government, condemned the actions of the protesters, stating that while they represented a small minority, their behavior was “unacceptable.” Costa further emphasized that tourism was a key economic driver for the Balearic Islands, and abandoning this sector would have disastrous consequences.
The Underlying Causes: Housing, Cost of Living, and Overcrowding
Activists have long argued that the surge in tourism has led to inflated property prices and higher living costs, particularly in Barcelona, Palma, and other tourist-heavy regions. Locals claim that they are being pushed out of their own neighborhoods due to skyrocketing rental prices driven by short-term holiday rentals, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb.
The crisis is particularly severe in cities like Palma de Mallorca, where tourism-driven gentrification has transformed traditionally local neighborhoods into tourist-centric zones. This has led to overcrowding, a loss of affordable housing, and a rising cost of living, which has triggered anger and frustration among residents. Protesters argue that tourism is no longer a sustainable industry for cities like Palma and Barcelona, and that immediate changes need to be made to protect local residents and preserve the quality of life for those who live in these cities year-round.
These protests have resonated with activists across Europe, who view mass tourism as a growing social issue that exacerbates inequalities. As tourism continues to drive local economies, the question remains: at what cost? The backlash from locals is indicative of a larger movement in cities across Europe that are reevaluating their relationship with tourism and seeking ways to balance the economic benefits of the industry with its social and environmental impacts.
Impact on the Tourism Industry: A Reputational Crisis for Spain
The protests in Spain, particularly those targeting tourists, are not only a public relations disaster for Spain’s tourism industry but also a wake-up call for the global travel sector. The protests reflect the growing discontent among localswith the excessive levels of tourism, leading to a loss of confidence in popular travel destinations. The sentiment expressed by protesters that “tourism is terrorism” points to the extent of frustration that has built up over the years.
The reputation of cities like Barcelona, Palma, and Madrid as desirable travel destinations is at risk, especially as tourists increasingly seek more authentic, sustainable, and less crowded alternatives. As travelers become more aware of the challenges posed by mass tourism, they may be deterred from visiting cities where they perceive a lack of local support or disruptions to their experience.
In the wake of these protests, Spain’s tourism industry faces a major dilemma. How can the country continue to promote tourism without alienating the locals who are essential to the industry’s success? This is a question that will require careful consideration by government officials, tourism operators, and local communities in the coming years. Without a concerted effort to address the underlying social issues, tourism in Spain could face a sharp decline in visitor numbers.
Economic Consequences: Financial Impact on Local Tourism and Hospitality
The financial consequences of these protests are already being felt across Spain’s tourism and hospitality sectors. As protests have become more frequent, the economic damage to businesses dependent on tourism has begun to accumulate. Hotels, restaurants, and local shops are experiencing the effects of fewer tourists, as travelers look for alternative destinations to avoid the chaos.
In particular, regions like the Balearic Islands are heavily reliant on tourism, with nearly 200,000 local jobs tied to the sector. However, these figures may not be enough to shield the industry from the longer-term damage caused by a growing anti-tourism movement. Airlines and tour operators are also feeling the impact, as protests deter potential travelers from booking holidays in Spain. The financial losses in terms of reduced bookings and cancellations could total millions of euros by the end of the year, further straining the already delicate balance between tourism growth and local development.
What This Means for Travelers: Navigating the Chaos
For travelers, the ongoing protests represent a growing risk when it comes to booking trips to popular Spanish cities. The frequent disruptions caused by anti-tourist marches and the general anti-tourism sentiment could lead to delayed plansand unpleasant experiences for those who decide to travel to Spain. Tourists who are unaware of the situation could find themselves caught in the middle of protests, potentially facing harassment or becoming victims of the water gun attacks and smoke flares that have been reported at protests in Barcelona and Palma.
While protests are often viewed as a form of expression, tourists may not always feel comfortable in cities where they are directly targeted. Travelers will need to consider alternative destinations, especially less crowded, eco-friendlyalternatives, to avoid getting caught up in travel chaos.
In the face of protest threats, travelers should explore options like travel insurance that covers delays and disruptionsdue to political unrest. Choosing off-the-beaten-path destinations or places with less exposure to mass tourism can help avoid being involved in protests.
Future of Tourism in Spain: Seeking Balance Between Growth and Sustainability
As Spain’s tourism industry faces this growing backlash, it is becoming increasingly clear that sustainable tourism will play a major role in the country’s recovery. The challenge is how to strike the right balance between growing the tourism economy and protecting the local population and their way of life. Cities must find ways to address the issues of overcrowding, gentrification, and housing affordability, all while continuing to reap the financial benefits of the tourism sector.
In the coming years, Spain may need to implement policies that limit the number of visitors to certain areas, incentivize off-season travel, and encourage eco-friendly tourism. This could include measures like tourist caps in heavily visited cities, stricter regulations on short-term rentals like Airbnb, and promoting more rural and regional travel. These changes could help restore some balance and give locals a chance to thrive without feeling overwhelmed by the constant influx of tourists.
Global Impact: Repercussions for the Travel Industry
The anti-tourism protests in Spain are indicative of a larger trend that is affecting tourism worldwide. As global awareness grows regarding the negative effects of mass tourism, there is an increasing demand for responsible tourism practices that prioritize local well-being and environmental sustainability. Tourists are becoming more discerning, seeking destinations that respect local communities, preserve ecosystems, and offer authentic experiences without compromising the quality of life for residents.
This shift in consumer behavior is likely to have significant consequences for the travel industry as a whole. Airlines, tour operators, and hotel chains will need to adapt to these changing expectations by focusing on sustainable practicesand aligning their services with the values of modern travelers. Destinations that fail to embrace these changes may find themselves sidelined in favor of those that prioritize social sustainability and community engagement.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Spain’s Tourism Industry
The anti-tourism protests in Spain are a sign of the growing tensions between locals and tourists, driven by the negative effects of mass tourism. As these protests escalate, they are causing significant disruptions not only to travelers but also to the local economy. The travel industry in Spain faces a difficult future, one that will require thoughtful policy changes, sustainable tourism practices, and greater community involvement to ensure a balanced and equitable tourism model. Tourists, too, must be prepared for the potential challenges ahead as they navigate travel chaos and political unrest in popular destinations.
