Overtourism in Southern Europe Shows The Impact of Mass Tourism in Spain, Barcelona, Venice, and Beyond: New Update

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Tourism has become a double-edged sword for many Mediterranean cities, with a growing number of locals protesting the overwhelming influx of visitors. In recent months, Southern European residents have taken to the streets in cities like Barcelona, Palma, and Venice to express their frustration with the crowds that flood their neighborhoods every summer. While tourists flock to these cities in the millions, the impact of overtourism on housing, local businesses, and everyday life has become unbearable for many residents.

Growing Frustration Over Overtourism

Alessia Noto noted that protests were mounting across tourist-heavy regions of Southern Europe. From Barcelona, where placards declared, “Tourism steals our bread, our roof, and our future,” to Palma, where demonstrators marched past tourists firing water pistols, it’s clear that locals are feeling the strain of an ever-growing number of visitors. In Venice, the protests have taken on a more symbolic form, with activists unfurling banners over the Rialto Bridge during the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, with the message “No space for Bezos!” reflecting local anger at the overcrowding caused by tourists.

Hans-Christian Rößler, writing for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, explained the situation in detail, particularly the challenges faced by cities like Lisbon and Barcelona. These cities have become increasingly unaffordable, with skyrocketing rents pushing locals out of neighborhoods. The cultural fabric of these cities is also changing, with cafés and bistros being replaced by souvenir shops and fast food joints. Airbnb, the home-sharing platform, is often blamed for exacerbating these problems by reducing the availability of long-term rental properties in favor of short-term tourist accommodations.

Airbnb’s Role and Regulatory Backlash

In response to mounting criticism, Airbnb has disputed the notion that it is to blame for overtourism. The company argues that hotels contribute more significantly to overtourism. In Barcelona, for example, nearly 75% of overnight stays in 2023 were in hotels, while the number of Airbnb rentals has decreased by 50% in the past three years due to stringent regulations. Despite Airbnb’s stance, many cities have decided to impose tighter controls on short-term rentals, which they see as part of the problem.

For example, Madrid recently ordered Airbnb to delist nearly 66,000 rental properties that were not in compliance with local rules. Airbnb’s appeal against the decision was rejected by a Spanish court. Meanwhile, Barcelona has made the decision not to renew the licenses of 10,000 holiday homes, a move that will come into effect by the end of 2028.

Demand and Supply: The Bigger Picture

Despite the finger-pointing at platforms like Airbnb, the underlying issue of overtourism is rooted in the massive demand for travel to these cities. According to Juan Cierco, writing for El Periódico in Barcelona, the supply of accommodation in tourist hotspots is simply responding to the growing demand. With passenger numbers on cruise ships and budget flights skyrocketing, particularly in cities like Barcelona and Lisbon, tourism continues to increase at an unsustainable rate.

Spain, which closed 2024 as the world’s second-most visited nation with 94 million tourists, is an excellent example of how tourism has become a major economic driver. Tourism represents over 12% of Spain’s GDP, meaning that the government is cautious about implementing regulations or taxes that could deter tourists. In a country where tourism is such an integral part of the economy, striking a balance between encouraging visitors and maintaining a sustainable tourism model is challenging.

Who Should Take Responsibility?

While governments are the ones implementing regulations, some experts argue that the real responsibility lies with travelers themselves. Chris Christou, on his podcast “The End of Tourism,” expressed that people who truly love a place should avoid overwhelming it with excessive tourism. He urged travelers to consider the impact of their visits and, in some cases, to refrain from going to popular destinations to help alleviate the burden on locals.

The dilemma of overtourism is a complex issue that doesn’t have a simple solution. Some argue that the responsibility should fall on governments, who need to regulate the flow of visitors more effectively. Others believe the solution lies in the hands of tourists themselves, who need to be more mindful of the impact their visits have on local communities.

Is Overtourism a Crisis or a Challenge?

While overtourism can be seen as a crisis in some places, it is also a challenge that calls for creative solutions. The rise in global tourism, particularly from low-cost carriers like Ryanair, which saw more than 200 million passengers in a single year, has made it easier than ever to visit top destinations. As long as there is demand for cheap flights and easy access to popular cities, overtourism is likely to continue to be an issue.

However, some experts suggest that there may be a silver lining in this situation. By focusing on sustainable tourism practices, such as promoting lesser-known destinations and encouraging off-season travel, it is possible to spread the benefits of tourism while minimizing the negative effects on overburdened cities. One example is shifting the focus from overcrowded cities like Barcelona and Venice to smaller towns or rural areas that may not yet be on the radar of mass tourism.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Change

As we move into 2025, it is clear that the issue of overtourism in Southern Europe is not going away anytime soon. Protesters are making their voices heard, local businesses are adapting to the changes, and governments are looking for ways to balance economic growth with sustainability. But the solution lies in a collective effort, from both the authorities and the travelers themselves.

Chris Christou’s perspective reminds us that if we truly love the places we visit, we must be mindful of our actions. It’s not enough to simply point fingers at platforms like Airbnb or hotel owners—tourism itself needs to be reimagined. In the future, sustainable travel could help ensure that the beauty and charm of these Mediterranean cities are preserved for generations to come.

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