Latest news with #antiTourism
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Here we go again! Defiant Majorcans vow this year's summer holiday protests will be bigger than last years as the mass tourism from Brits is making their lives 'unbearable'
Thousands of defiant anti-tourism protesters have vowed to bring the streets of Majorca to a standstill after they called for another major anti-tourist demonstration. The Spanish island's capital of Palma - a holiday hotspot popular among Brits- will be clogged on Sunday, June 15 as representatives of 60 groups today announced the protest. The move comes as Spain finds itself struggling to balance the promotion of tourism and addressing citizens' concerns over a housing crisis that they say has been fuelled by holidaymakers. The demonstration will be led by campaign group 'Menys Turisme, Mes Vida' (Less tourism, more life), which claims that the everyday life of locals has become 'unbearable' thanks to foreign holidaymakers. They have accused both the Balearic Islands' government of ignoring the pleas for drastic changes in their current tourism model. The platform is asking the island's residents to take to the streets to demand a change in the economic model and what they describe as 'touristification.' This will be the third major protest of its kind but the activists say they are getting nowhere despite calls to clampdown on tourists. The demonstration in Palma will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Ibiza, Barcelona, Donosti and other major Spanish cities. 'We stand for the right to a dignified life and to demand an end to touristification', said Jaume Pujol, spokesman for Menys Turisme, Més Vida. The group today also criticised the local government, accusing them of promoting policies that have aggravated the mass tourism crisis. They also warned that, with the start of the tourist season, 'unbearable situations' are already being repeated on the island, including road closures due to tourist events and genera; saturation of public spaces and markets. Menys Turisme, Mes Vida also argued that their island is 'not for sale' and that 'it is urgent to put limits' on a tourism model that they consider increasingly destructive. It comes a month after tens of thousands of furious Spaniards took to the streets across the country to demand a solution to the cost of living crisis they say has been exacerbated by tourism. The demonstrations on April 5 took place across major Spanish towns and cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma. According to organizers, 30,000 people took to the streets of Malaga - a seaside town in the south of Spain - as they demanded solutions to the housing crisis, with banners reading: 'Houses for the people of Málaga. Hotels for tourists, affordable rents.' But police reported that around 5,000 demonstrators took part in the Malaga march. Residents were photographed holding banners with the slogan: 'Houses for the people of Málaga. Hotels for tourists'. Some also hung posters from their balconies and windows with messages saying: 'Housing is a right, not a business'. Meanwhile in Madrid, around 15,000 people gathered in the capital's neighbourhood of Atocha and marched towards Plaza de Espana shouting slogans like: 'Landlords are thieves' and 'Madrid will be the tomb of rentals'. Angry renters pointed to instances of international hedge funds buying up properties, often with the aim of renting them to foreign tourists. The question has become so politically charged that Barcelona's city government pledged last year to phase out all its 10,000 permits for short-term rentals, many of them advertised on platforms like Airbnb, by 2028. Marchers in Madrid last month chanted 'Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods' and held up signs against short-term rentals. 'No more leaving our neighborhoods, our homes, or even our cities every five or seven years,' said Valeria Racu, spokesperson for the Madrid tenants' union, in a statement at the start of the demonstration. 'We're calling on the half-million households whose contracts expire in 2025 to stay home and resist,' she added. Incomes in Spain have failed to keep up with rising housing costs, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment Irate activists aired their grievances to the angry mobs filling the streets, taking aim at the 'touristification' of resorts along Spain's coasts. In the southern city of Murcia, 500 people chanted: 'We will not tolerate one more eviction'. Up north in Santander, a city on Spain's Atlantic coast, residents demanded public houses. 'No houses without people, no people without houses,' 'everyone under a roof, housing is a right', those in attendance chanted. A generation of young people say they have to stay with their parents or spend big just to share an apartment, with little chance of saving enough to one day purchase a home. High housing costs mean even those with traditionally well-paying jobs are struggling to make ends meet. According to Spain's central bank, almost 40% of Spanish families who rent spend nearly half of their income on housing. In April last year the government said it would scrap its so-called 'golden visa' programme granting residency rights to foreigners who make large investments in real estate in the country, which the Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said would help make access to affordable housing 'a right instead of a speculative business'. The average rent in Spain has almost doubled in the last 10 years. The price per square meter rose from 7.2 euros in 2014 to 13 euros last year, according to real estate website Idealista. The increase is bigger in Madrid and Barcelona. Incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Spain does not have the public housing that other European nations have invested in to cushion struggling renters from a market that is pricing them out. Spain was rocked by mass demonstrations last summer, as tens of thousands of fed up locals filled the streets to protest mass tourism. Anti-tourism campaigners have long been contesting the current tourism model, claiming that many locals have been priced out by holidaymakers, expats and foreign buyers. Last year, Spain saw a record-breaking number of tourists, with over 15 million visitors flocking to the island of Mallorca alone. In response, protestors took to the streets across Spain, leaving countless visitors fuming after paying hundreds of pounds to enjoy their holidays abroad. Actions included marches on the street with protesters chanting 'tourists go home', as well as demonstrations on beaches which saw locals boo and jeer at sun-soaked tourists. In one particular instance, up to 50,000 locals descended onto the streets of the Mallorca capital Palma. Meanwhile in Barcelona, some 2,800 people marched along a waterfront district of Barcelona to demand a new economic model that would reduce the millions of tourists that visit every year. Protesters carried signs reading 'Barcelona is not for sale,' and, 'Tourists go home,' before some used water guns on tourists eating outdoors at restaurants in popular tourist hotspots. Chants of 'Tourists out of our neighbourhood' rang out as some stopped in front of the entrances to hotels.
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Holidaymakers hiding in hotels as masses of anti-tourism protesters storm the streets in THREE Spanish cities
Holidaymakers are cowering in hotels as anti-tourism storm the streets of the Canary Islands, as fed up locals disrupt sunshine bliss for thousands of Brits abroad. Thousands of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Ela Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Lanzarote. Dozens of armed officers from the National Police were seen on patrol, as protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums. They marched with the slogan 'Canarias tiene un limite' (The Canaries has a limit, while slogan were chanted such as: 'El dinero del turismo, donde está?', meaning 'The money from tourism, where is it?' Demonstrates have also taken to the streets in Barcelona, Valencia as well as Madrid, as tensions towards tourists have continued to rise over the last year. In April, tourists fired water pistols at a tour bus outside Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, as they warned of bigger protests this summer. Today in Lanzarote, an Irish holidaymakers revealed he was too scared to leave his AirBnB, as one furious tourist was spotted waste and sewerage on Canary Island politicians. Alberto Babo, 32, told MailOnline: 'I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise.' One placard read: 'Stop excessive tourism… this is our home,' while another said: 'My misery is your paradise'. A banner declared the Canary Islands 'is no longer a paradise' thanks to tourism. Another sign was inscribed with the words: 'tourists swim in s**t', referencing the large amount of sewage water that is dumped into the sea - the majority of it, activists say, coming from hotels and tourist accommodations. Other placards in Spanish said: 'Don't sell your homes to guiris!' Guiri is a Spanish slang word for British and other tourists. Demonstrators could also be heard shouting 'Canarias No Se Vende', meaning 'The Canary Islands Are Not For Sale,' while the blew whistles and proudly held Canary Island flags in the sky. Marchers also echoed the chant 'No hay cams pa' tanto guiri', translating to 'There's not enough beds for so many foreigners.' While another placard read: 'Enjoying a day at your pool? That water could be going on food.' According to Metro, there were initially 2,000 marchers expected to participate in the march this Sunday - a significantly lower number than an April protest against anti-tourism in Tenerife capital, Santa Cruz. Holidaymakers looked on from rooftops as protesters marched by, as locals reportedly took the opportunity to pull the middle finger towards tourist, who allegedly did kissing gestures back. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands. The swimming instructor told MailOnline: 'Spain has become the after party for Europe, and Tenerife has more tourists per year than Brazil, we don't have room. 'We are not against individual tourists, just those who don't respect the rules, who throw trash and pollute and commit crimes. 'We have toilets that are closed on our beaches because they are contaminated by sewage. 'Since our historic protest last year the government has done nothing, they have actually increased the number of tourists coming and we don't have enough room. 'The traffic is so bad when they are here; a 15 minute journey takes one hour. 'The number of Airbnbs is too high and there is nowhere to rent, it is catastrophic for the island.' It comes after the Canary Islands government said it wants to hold emergency talks with the activists following a plunge in British bookings. Santiago Sese, president of the region's Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern on Friday after revealing the number of British reservations for this summer have fallen by 8 per cent year-on-year in Tenerife. Sese revealed the troubling numbers while presenting the Economic Situation Report for 2025, reports regional newspaper El Dia. Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands'. Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' According to Sese, there are signs of a decline in the number of tourists, with the British market among the most affected. He said competing countries like Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and neighbouring Morocco have all seen their bookings increase. He regretted that the advertising campaigns specifically targeting the UK are not having an impact. It follows a series of widely-reported 'anti-tourism' protests across Spain that have made many Brits feel unwelcome. But the 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend, has seemingly rejected the olive branch. Referencing the government's offer of a dialogue it wrote: 'Dialogue? We want facts. 'The rest are attempts to calm what's coming: a social uprising demanding a fair model for the Canary Islands, where bosses, lobbyists, and corrupt officials have no place. See you this Sunday.' The Canary Islands has a population of 2.2million people, but welcomes around 18million holidaymakers each year - which locals say is placing a strain on resources, causing jet fuel pollution, traffic chaos and a host of other issues. For this reason, activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion. Among their other demands is a ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes, and the immediate demolition of projects already declared illegal. These include large-scale luxury projects like the Cuna del Alma and La Tejita hotels in Tenerife, which they accuse of causing environmental harm. They also want a 'significant' tourist eco-tax that will be used to pay for the conservation and maintenance of natural spaces. One of the biggest gripes is the surge in Airbnb-style properties, which has been blamed for rising house costs and the dwindling supply of homes to rent or buy. Therefore, protesters want much stricter controls on vacation rentals to alleviate the housing crisis. Another housing issue is the high number of properties being snapped up by foreign purchasers, which locals say is behind skyrocketing prices.
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Holidaymakers too scared to leave their rooms as thousands of anti-tourism protesters have taken to the streets of the Canary Islands
Thousands of anti-tourism protesters have taken to the streets of the Canary Islands. Scores of fed-up locals kicked off demonstrations across the archipelago from 11am, including in Tenerife, where thousands of Brits are currently holidaying. Dozens of armed officers from the National Police were seen on patrol, while 'terrified' tourists stayed inside their hotels. One holidaymaker visiting from Ireland said he was too scared to leave his Airbnb. Alberto Babo, 32, told MailOnline: 'I didn't go out today due to the protests, I'm stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds. 'I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I'm here. All I can hear is the noise.' Protesters were heard blowing through enormous shells to make a loud horn-like noise, while banging on drums. Slogans being chanted included: 'El dinero del turismo, donde está?', meaning 'The money from tourism, where is it?' One placard read: 'Stop excessive tourism… this is our home.' Another said: 'My misery is your paradise' One banner declared the Canary Islands 'is no longer a paradise' thanks to tourism. Another said 'tourists swim in s**t', referencing the large amount of sewage water that is dumped into the sea - the majority of it, activists say, coming from hotels and tourist accommodations. Other placards in Spanish said: 'Don't sell your homes to guiris!' Guiri is a Spanish slang word for British and other tourists. Among the protesters is Paula McKnight Morales, 39, whose father is from the US but who grew up on the islands. The swimming instructor told MailOnline: 'Spain has become the after party for Europe, and Tenerife has more tourists per year than Brazil, we don't have room. Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands' 'We are not against individual tourists, just those who don't respect the rules, who throw trash and pollute and commit crimes. 'We have toilets that are closed on our beaches because they are contaminated by sewage. 'Since our historic protest last year the government has done nothing, they have actually increased the number of tourists coming and we don't have enough room. 'The traffic is so bad when they are here; a 15 minute journey takes one hour. 'The number of Airbnbs is too high and there is nowhere to rent, it is catastrophic for the island.' It comes after the Canary Islands government said it wants to hold emergency talks with the activists following a plunge in British bookings. Santiago Sese, president of the region's Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern on Friday after revealing the number of British reservations for this summer have fallen by 8 per cent year-on-year in Tenerife. Sese revealed the troubling numbers while presenting the Economic Situation Report for 2025, reports regional newspaper El Dia. Tourism minister for Tenerife, Lope Alfonso, has since announced that he will reach out to the activists to 'discuss the future of the islands'. Alfonso said the government has been working on a model to 'achieve a balance between the interests of residents and tourists.' According to Sese, there are signs of a decline in the number of tourists, with the British market among the most affected. He said competing countries like Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and neighbouring Morocco have all seen their bookings increase. He regretted that the advertising campaigns specifically targeting the UK are not having an impact. It follows a series of widely-reported 'anti-tourism' protests across Spain that have made many Brits feel unwelcome. But the 'Canaries has a limit' (Canarias tiene un limite) movement, which is behind the protests this weekend, has seemingly rejected the olive branch. Referencing the government's offer of a dialogue it wrote: 'Dialogue? We want facts. 'The rest are attempts to calm what's coming: a social uprising demanding a fair model for the Canary Islands, where bosses, lobbyists, and corrupt officials have no place. See you this Sunday.' The Canary Islands has a population of 2.2million people, but welcomes around 18million holidaymakers each year - which locals say is placing a strain on resources, causing jet fuel pollution, traffic chaos and a host of other issues. For this reason, activists are calling for a cap on the number of holidaymakers, to prevent overcrowding and resource depletion. Among their other demands is a ban on any new hotels or tourism apartment complexes, and the immediate demolition of projects already declared illegal. These include large-scale luxury projects like the Cuna del Alma and La Tejita hotels in Tenerife, which they accuse of causing environmental harm. They also want a 'significant' tourist eco-tax that will be used to pay for the conservation and maintenance of natural spaces. One of the biggest gripes is the surge in Airbnb-style properties, which has been blamed for rising house costs and the dwindling supply of homes to rent or buy. Therefore, protesters want much stricter controls on vacation rentals to alleviate the housing crisis. Another housing issue is the high number of properties being snapped up by foreign purchasers, which locals say is behind skyrocketing prices.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- The Independent
Holiday boss issues warning to anyone heading to Spain this summer
Jet2's CEO has warned of growing anti-tourist sentiment among UK holidaymakers considering Spain. Steve Heapy, chief executive of airline and tour operator Jet2, has cautioned about a rising unease among British holidaymakers regarding anti-tourism protests in Spain. Heapy noted a growing "perception" that some Spanish residents resent the influx of tourists. In recent years, several Spanish cities popular with tourists have seen demonstrations by locals protesting the impact of tourism, particularly on rental costs. Protest banners have displayed slogans such as "tourists go home," contributing to the negative perception among potential visitors. This growing sentiment could impact travel decisions, with some UK holidaymakers potentially opting for alternative destinations. Speaking at an event at the Spanish embassy in London, Mr Heapy said: 'We've had people ringing the call centre and going into travel agents, asking questions like 'is Spain safe', 'are we still welcome in the resort'.' He went on: 'It is becoming a big issue unfortunately, and perception becomes truth.' Mr Heapy said 'unlicensed tourism' – such as people staying in private accommodation listed on Airbnb – is 'causing a huge problem' and 'needs to be controlled'. Issues such as uncertainty over visitor numbers, unpaid tourist taxes and properties that 'could be death traps' are among the issues, he said. 'Unfortunately there's been a massive explosion in unlicensed tourism properties.' He went on: 'Airbnb can be controlled. They don't rule the world. 'They are an online platform that we can control and put legislation in place.' Mr Heapy said if he was a politician he would introduce fines of 'a quarter of a million euros' for Airbnb hosts found not to have the required licences or tax records. Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, insisted it is 'important to distinguish between specific local tensions and the broader national picture'. He went on: 'The vast majority of Spain remains enthusiastic in welcoming tourists. 'Where protests have occurred – in cities such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Santa Cruz – concerns stem from broader societal issues: housing pressures, rising costs of living, and environmental strain in high-density areas.' He added: 'Spain is taking concrete steps to address these issues – through legislation on short-term rentals, tourism taxes in certain regions, and more comprehensive destination management.' Spain is the most popular overseas destination for people in the UK, with more than 18 million visits last year. Spain's Secretary of State for Tourism Rosario Sanchez Grau said: 'We are proud and grateful that Spain remains the number one holiday destination for UK visitors. 'It is our priority to protect and nurture this relationship for the future.'
The Independent
07-05-2025
- The Independent
Anti-tourism protests are ‘a big issue' for UK holidaymakers, travel boss warns
A growing number of UK holidaymakers are concerned about anti-tourism protests in Spain, a travel boss has warned. Steve Heapy, chief executive of airline and tour operator Jet2, said there is a 'perception' among some people that overseas visitors are not welcome in the country. Spanish residents in popular destinations have organised a number of demonstrations against tourism in recent years, with banners featuring messages such as 'tourists go home'. The impact of tourism on rental rates is a common theme at the protests. Speaking at an event at the Spanish embassy in London, Mr Heapy said: 'We've had people ringing the call centre and going into travel agents, asking questions like 'is Spain safe', 'are we still welcome in the resort'.' He went on: 'It is becoming a big issue unfortunately, and perception becomes truth.' Mr Heapy said 'unlicensed tourism' – such as people staying in private accommodation listed on Airbnb – is 'causing a huge problem' and 'needs to be controlled'. Issues such as uncertainty over visitor numbers, unpaid tourist taxes and properties that 'could be death traps' are among the issues, he said. 'Unfortunately there's been a massive explosion in unlicensed tourism properties.' He went on: 'Airbnb can be controlled. They don't rule the world. 'They are an online platform that we can control and put legislation in place.' Mr Heapy said if he was a politician he would introduce fines of 'a quarter of a million euros' for Airbnb hosts found not to have the required licences or tax records. Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, insisted it is 'important to distinguish between specific local tensions and the broader national picture'. He went on: 'The vast majority of Spain remains enthusiastic in welcoming tourists. 'Where protests have occurred – in cities such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Santa Cruz – concerns stem from broader societal issues: housing pressures, rising costs of living, and environmental strain in high-density areas.' He added: 'Spain is taking concrete steps to address these issues – through legislation on short-term rentals, tourism taxes in certain regions, and more comprehensive destination management.' Spain is the most popular overseas destination for people in the UK, with more than 18 million visits last year. Spain's Secretary of State for Tourism Rosario Sanchez Grau said: 'We are proud and grateful that Spain remains the number one holiday destination for UK visitors. 'It is our priority to protect and nurture this relationship for the future.'
