Anti-Tourism Protests Intensify in Spain: A Growing Concern for Expats and Locals Alike
As Spain gears up for another year of record-breaking tourism, the anti-tourism protests that have been simmering across the country are showing no signs of abating. The discontent, particularly among locals, is centered around the debilitating effects of overtourism on housing, the environment, and community life.
Housing Crisis and Tourism
In cities like Barcelona and the Canary Islands, the housing crisis has become a pivotal issue. The proliferation of short-term tourist rentals, largely facilitated by platforms like Airbnb, has driven housing costs beyond the reach of many locals. In Barcelona, for instance, the city council has vowed to ban all Airbnb-style accommodations by 2028, a move that has been met with both support and skepticism from residents and protesters alike[1][2].
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