European hot spots dig in against tourism
Residents of European travel hotspots are rallying against the effects of overtourism for the second consecutive summer.
Why it matters: Protesters say post-COVID tourism booms, which don't show signs of slowing down, are increasing costs and pushing locals out of their neighborhoods and cities.
Americans' summer travel to Europe is projected to increase for the fourth consecutive year, per a report from travel insurance company Allianz Partners.
State of play: In the past week, anti-tourism protesters took to the streets in Southern Europe, the Louvre's staff went on strike and Airbnb pointed fingers.
Locals have taken to spraying tourists with water guns as a form of protest in Lisbon, Barcelona, Venice and other popular European destinations.
Staff at the Louvre spontaneously went on strike this past Monday to protest unmanageable crowds and chronic understaffing. The work stoppage — which happened without a vote by union membership — shuttered the world's most visited museum for hours.
Between the lines: Locals blame Airbnb for contributing to the problem, reducing housing supply and increasing prices in residential neighborhoods.
The Spanish government last month called for the removal of nearly 66,000 short-term rental listings on Airbnb.
Airbnb has placed the blame on hotels, saying they account for 80% of the nights tourists spend in Europe.
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