Spain’s summer of unrest

Anti-tourism protests erupt across Spain as locals push back against overcrowding, rising rents, and the hidden costs of mass travel

In June 2025, anti-tourism protests erupted across Spain, with major disruptions in cities like Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. Frustrated by rising rents, housing shortages, and overcrowding, locals targeted tourists directly—surrounding hotels, disrupting restaurants, and shouting slogans like “tourism is terrorism.” The protests highlight growing tensions between local communities and the tourism industry, raising urgent questions about the sustainability of mass tourism.

Key takeaways

• Tourists became direct targets of public anger: Activists disrupted daily life in tourist hubs, using water guns, flares, and chants to make their message clear: tourism is driving locals out of their own cities. The demonstrations were designed to shock and draw attention to the social costs of overtourism.
• Housing affordability and gentrification are driving the backlash: Locals blame short-term rentals like Airbnb for inflating property prices and pushing residents out of city centers. What used to be local neighborhoods have become transient zones dominated by holiday rentals.
• Regional leaders are walking a tightrope: While some officials condemned the protests as harmful and extreme, many acknowledged the underlying concerns. In heavily tourism-dependent regions like the Balearic Islands, protests could threaten thousands of jobs and millions in revenue.
• Spain’s global tourism image is at risk: With tourists being directly targeted, Spain may begin to lose appeal among travelers seeking safe, welcoming destinations. The risk of reputational damage is real, especially if protests continue into peak travel seasons.
• The travel industry must respond with sustainable solutions: Spain's protests are part of a larger global reckoning. As travelers grow more conscious of their impact, destinations and tourism operators will need to shift toward responsible practices that balance visitor demand with local quality of life.

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