logo
Another summer of disruption? Spain's anti-tourism protests reignite ahead of Easter break

Another summer of disruption? Spain's anti-tourism protests reignite ahead of Easter break

Euronews04-04-2025

ADVERTISEMENT
Last summer, Spain erupted with protests driven by the soaring tourist numbers putting a strain on residents' daily lives.
More than 90 million foreign visitors descended on the country in 2024, and consultancy firm Braintrust estimates that the number of arrivals will rocket to 115 million by 2040.
Angered by the inadequate government measures to manage the flow, locals across Spain staged hunger strikes, plastered visitor hotspots with anti-tourism messages, and squirted tourists with water guns.
As the Easter holidays approach, the anti-tourism sentiment is brewing once again, and protests are ramping up.
Residents are demanding that authorities step up regulations before peak season sees tourist destinations overwhelmed again.
Why are Spain's residents protesting against tourism?
The unchecked influx of tourists to Spain in recent years has generated a rash of unwelcome effects for residents.
One major impact is the spiralling cost of housing as accommodation is snapped up for tourist lets and land bought for building new resorts.
Last April, demonstrators in Tenerife organised a
hunger strike
over two new
hotel
developments with some locals saying they had been forced to sleep in their cars or caves because they couldn't afford housing on the island.
'We have nothing against individual tourists but the industry is growing and growing and using up so many resources and the island cannot cope,' Ivan Cerdena Molina, who helped organise the protests, told local news outlet The Olive Press.
Related
Planning a trip to Spain this summer? Here are all the new rules and regulations you need to know
Airbnb criticises Spain's new rental rules: Data shows crackdowns on owners don't stem overtourism
'Airbnb and Booking.com are like a cancer that is consuming the island bit by bit.'
Other tourist hotspots like Barcelona and Madrid are also struggling with soaring rental prices for residents.
In June last year, Barcelona's city council announced a
plan to rid the city of tourist flat licenses by 2028
. The city hasn't granted any new licenses since 2014, when it froze the supply at around 10,000 units.
Spain is also planning to introduce a 100 per cent
tax on properties
bought by non-EU residents in its latest move to protect the housing market from foreign buyers.
Sales of homes to foreigners, including EU citizens, make up roughly 15 per cent of the housing market, according to the Spanish property registry.
'The source of our problems': Anti-tourist protests ramp up ahead of Easter holidays
Despite these moves, resentment continues to ferment with protests already planned ahead of the Easter break.
ADVERTISEMENT
In Majorca, locals will stage a demonstration on 5 April, demanding solutions to the housing crisis under the slogan 'Let's end the housing business'.
"The greed and avarice of hoteliers, politicians, real estate investors, and 'parasites' of all kinds" have also deteriorated the island's ecosystem, overloaded public services, and triggered gentrification, activists wrote in a letter.
They concluded by imploring tourists not to come to the island, calling them 'the source of our problems'.
Across the Canary Islands,
employees
in the hospitality sector are threatening to strike over the Easter holiday period in an ongoing dispute over pay.
ADVERTISEMENT
Related
Want to move to Spain in 2025? Beware of new property tax, anti-tourism protests and Airbnb bans
Going to Spain on holiday? You'll be asked for new personal data in a crackdown on organised crime
Spain's two principal trade unions - CCOO (Comisiones Obreras) and UGT (Unión General de Trabajadores) - have proposed a one-time payment or a 7.75 per cent wage increase for hotel, restaurant and bar staff across the Spanish archipelago to mitigate the prohibitive living costs for workers.
33.8 per cent of residents in the Canary Islands are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, according to Spain's National Statistics Institute, the highest figure for any region except Andalucía.
Last week, unrest broke out in Tenerife, fueled by anger over mass tourism.
Activists
vandalised a fleet of rental cars and warned they would escalate actions by targeting airports.
Next month, 15 activist groups from Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France are holding a summit in Barcelona to coordinate efforts to counter unsustainable tourism.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Majorca-based movement Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) has said it will
redouble efforts this summer
.
The alliance of groups campaigns against the adverse effects of excessive tourism, which it blames for exacerbating property speculation, displacing local residents, and inflating living costs.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

What are your responsibilities as a resident of France?
What are your responsibilities as a resident of France?

Local France

time2 hours ago

  • Local France

What are your responsibilities as a resident of France?

Last week, we looked at what you can and cannot do as a non-resident of France . This category includes tourists and short-term visitors, but also people who make frequent visits to France and in some cases own property here. Second-home owners often pay long visits to France, but stop short of becoming residents here. Being a non-resident imposes limitations on your time in France - but becoming a resident also brings with it some responsibilities. The difference is most stark for non-EU citizens who require a visa or residency permit in order to remain in France in the longer term, but some of the below responsibilities also apply to EU citizens who can move to France without a visa. Tax - this is the big one. If you are living in France then you automatically become a tax resident and are required to complete the annual déclaration des revenus (income tax declaration). In some circumstances non-residents have to compete this too depending on income, but once you are a resident in France on any kind of long-stay visa or carte de séjour residency permit, then France considers you its tax resident . This means completing the annual income tax declaration, which involves declaring all of your worldwide income . There are some aspects of this which frequently confuse foreigners - the first is that you must make the declaration even if you have no income in France (for example you are living off a pension paid in your home country). The second is that you must declare all of your worldwide income, even if it is taxed in your home country. Advertisement In both cases the short answer to this question is the same - declaring income in France doesn't necessarily mean you will have to pay tax on it in France. If your income comes from a non-French source then it's likely that it will be taxed in the country of origin, depending on the type of income and the tax treaty between France and the country of origin. Crucially, however, just because it is not taxable in France doesn't mean that you don't have to tell the French taxman about it - the usual practice is to declare your income and then receive tax credits for non-French income. When it comes to work done remotely from France for clients in another country, France, in most cases, would consider that French income since it is "work done in France" - full details here . Residency rules - if you are a non-EU citizen and therefore need a visa/residency card to live in France, it is also up to you to fully understand the conditions of your residency permit, and to fulfil them. Living in a way that is not in accordance with your residency status can see your application to renew being denied and even, in extreme cases, you being deported from France. Common mistakes include working in France while on a non-working status or - for students - exceeding the permitted hours of work . While the penalties for breaking the terms of the residency permit can be harsh, France is in fact fairly flexible if your circumstances genuinely change after arriving - for example you came on a spouse permit and then get divorced , or you arrive on a working visa and then lose your job . It is, however, up to you to make any changes necessary to ensure that you are still compliant. It can be stressful if your old residency card runs out while you are still waiting for the préfecture to renew it - but this does not mean that you are no longer legally resident . Advertisement French values - part of the residency permit process also involves promising to adhere to 'French values'. This doesn't mean agreeing with every decision the government makes - if that was the criteria 99 percent of French people would be deported - but it does mean giving an undertaking to respect certain core values such as democracy, freedom of expression and equality between men and women. You can find a full explanation of exactly what you need to agree to here . While the odd sexist comment won't get you kicked out of France (although it might mean you're not invited back to the feminist book club) being involved in a crime or activity that flagrantly contradicts those 'core values' can result in a renewal application being refused and you being required to leave France. French laws - like every country, France requires all visitors - long or short term - to respect its laws. Foreigners are dealt with by the judicial system in the same way as French citizens and if you commit a serious enough crime you could find yourself inside a French jail. Any kind of custodial sentence is likely to see you deported on your release. Meanwhile a conviction for a lesser crime could make it hard to get your residency permit renewed. READ ALSO What crimes can lose you your residency rights in France? Inheritance laws and taxes - while tourists might get a slap on the wrist for flying drones illegally or being drunk in a public place , French laws are likely to have more of a long-term impact if you live here. One aspect that especially affects people who buy property in the French inheritance system - French law means that you cannot disinherit your children, while the French inheritance tax structure makes it very expensive to leave property to someone who is not a spouse or a blood relative. This can make things especially complicated for blended families, step-children who have not been formally adopted or unmarried partners - find the full guide to French inheritance here . Advertisement Wealth tax - once you have lived in France for five years you become liable for the 'wealth tax' on all of your global assets (for the first five years this specific tax applies only to your assets in France). This is a tax on assets - especially property - and not earnings, and as such it can ensnare people who would not consider themselves as super-rich. The threshold is €1.3 million in total - so that could include people who own a house in London or one of the more expensive cities in the US. READ ALSO : What is France's 'wealth tax' and who pays it?✎ Rights It's not all bad news, however, being a resident of France brings with it plenty of good things too - among them the right to spend unlimited amounts of time here and to eventually apply for long-term residency and perhaps French citizenship. You're also entitled to benefit from French healthcare and pensions , plus workplace benefits such as sick leave, maternity leave and unemployment benefits if you lose your job. Advertisement Depending on your income there are also a wide range of grants and financial aid schemes available from grants for home improvements to help paying energy bills and a budget for professional skills training , holidays, bikes and concert tickets. Plus, France's SNCF rail network will give you an annual discounted ticket for your holidays. READ ALSO : Bikes, gig tickets and holidays: 7 things the French government might pay for✎

May UK spending falters, consumers cut back on fashion say Barclays, BRC
May UK spending falters, consumers cut back on fashion say Barclays, BRC

Fashion Network

time6 hours ago

  • Fashion Network

May UK spending falters, consumers cut back on fashion say Barclays, BRC

The UK's consumer spending and retail spending reports are coming in for May and they don't look that impressive. On Tuesday, Barclays released its general consumer spending data for discretionary categories and the British Retail Consortium/ KPMG their retail sales numbers, with both showing anaemic growth year on year last month. First Barclays. It said consumer card spending was up just 1% in May compared to the same month a year earlier. It had seen 4.5% growth in April (partly boosted by sunny weather and Easter). But this time the weak growth didn't come anywhere near the latest CPIH inflation figure of 3.5%. That said, May's two Bank Holidays and record spring sunshine supported seasonal categories like pharmacy, health and beauty (+12%), and travel (+3.7%), yet this was offset by wet weather in the latter half of the month, amid consumers cutting back and a fall in consumer confidence. Confidence in household finances declined three percentage points to 67%, while the ability to spend on non-essentials dropped to 56%. In response, nearly half of consumers (46%) say they're cutting back on discretionary spending. And even more painful for fashion retail, clothing/accessories is the most common category being reined in. Card spending on clothing rose just 0.9% in May, although the volume of clothing purchases was up 3.8%. This suggests shoppers are still refreshing their wardrobes, but switching to cheaper items or brands, or perhaps that retailers are keeping a lid on prices and cutting them as well in an attempt to shift stock. Despite exercising financial caution, two in five UK adults say they still enjoy treating themselves regularly but are finding budget-friendly options. Popular choices include waiting for sales (41%), opting for smaller, affordable treats (36%, which could boost beauty), and setting aside savings specifically for occasional indulgences (24%). As for the BRC/KPMG report, despite focusing on retail spending specifically rather than general consumer spending, it showed similar patterns to Barclays. In the four weeks from 4 May to 31 May, UK total retail sales increased by 1% year on year and non-food sales actually decreased by 1.1%. In-store non-food sales fell 0.9% and online they were down 1.5%. The online penetration rate (the proportion of non-food items bought online) was flat at 35.9% in May. Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Consumers put the brakes on spending, with the slowest growth in 2025 so far. This was due largely to declines in non-food sales, as fashion and full price big-ticket items were held back by lower consumer confidence.' And Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, added: 'While the sunshine continued, the pace of retail sales growth didn't in May. Early seasonal purchases were likely a factor, as was a dampening of some spending appetite as households reflected upon the recent combination of essential bill rises. Travel demand for the summer months ahead looks healthy, so retailers will be hoping June sees an upturn in related spending as people begin to think about what they want to pack in their suitcase.'

Madrid to host grand prix as Formula One announces 2026 calendar
Madrid to host grand prix as Formula One announces 2026 calendar

France 24

time6 hours ago

  • France 24

Madrid to host grand prix as Formula One announces 2026 calendar

The 2026 campaign will open for the second successive season in Australia at Melbourne's Albert Park street circuit on March 6-8. The race in the Spanish capital Madrid is on September 11-13 and will bring the curtain down on the European segment of the season. The new Madrid circuit will have both street and non-street sectors. The 24-weekend campaign will again conclude in Abu Dhabi, on December 4-6. Montreal in Canada will now follow Miami in May to cut down on travelling for the teams. The 2026 season promises to look radically different with Cadillac becoming the 11th team on the grid and sweeping new regulations on aerodynamics and power units. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport's governing body, the FIA, said: "Next year's FIA Formula One World Championship marks a significant new chapter for our sport. "A new race, new teams, and the arrival of new manufacturers, all ushering in a fresh era of innovation and competition." Formula One 2026 calendar: March 6-8: Melbourne, Australia March 13-15: Shanghai, China March 27-29: Suzuka, Japan April 10-12: Sakhir, Bahrain April 17-19: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia May 1-3: Miami, United States May 22-24: Montreal, Canada June 5-7: Monaco June 12-14: Barcelona, Spain June 26-28: Spielberg, Austria July 3-5: Silverstone, Great Britain July 17-19: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium July 24-26: Budapest, Hungary August 21-23: Zandvoort, Netherlands Sept 4-6: Monza, Italy Sept 11-13: Madrid, Spain Sept 25-27: Baku, Azerbaijan Oct 9-11 Singapore Oct 23-25 Austin, United States Oct 30-Nov 1: Mexico City, Mexico Nov 6-8 Sao Paulo, Brazil Nov 19-21 Las Vegas, United States Nov 27-29 Lusail, Qatar Dec 4-6: Abu Dhabi, UAE © 2025 AFP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store