Brits heading to Spain on holiday this summer have been warned that planned protests could cause confusion. Holiday makers planning trips to Spanish hotspots in June, including the Canary Islands, Mallorca and Barcelona, have been warned of potential disruptions as activists prepare for “unprecedented mobilization” for popular tourism.
The coordinated demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th, and is hosted by a Southern European network against tourists, a coalition of activist groups from Spain, Italy, France and Portuguese.
The network held its latest strategic meeting in Barcelona last weekend, confirming a widespread plan of action across the region.
The protest is expected to take place in the airport, popular beaches and city centres, with organizers warning tourists that braces are needed for confusion. Some suggest possible demonstrations within the airport terminals during the peak summer travel season.
Activists behind the movement say the action aims to focus attention on the unsustainable impact of mass tourism on housing, the environment and the quality of life of local residents.
“We want tourists to have some fear about the situation,” said Barcelona protester Elena Boski. “Don't be afraid, there's no change.”
Activist leader Daniel Pardo added that while a single tactic has not been agreed, mobilization involves multiple groups acting simultaneously in major tourist destinations.
Similar protests last summer attracted thousands of residents of Barcelona, Malaga, the Canary Islands and Balearic descent.
In Barcelona, some visitors were targeted with water pistols, and in Menorca, demonstrators blocked access to popular beaches.
Growing anxiety stems from what activists describe as a housing crisis driven by short-term rentals and unidentified tourism.
In Spain, average rents have doubled over the past decade, and home prices have risen by more than 44%, making it more difficult for locals to stay in their communities. Since 2020, platforms like Airbnb have been booming in cities and coastal regions, while availability of residential rentals has plummeted.
“Tourism has made it impossible for families to live in their town,” said Maria Cardona, a set network member in Ibiza. “This summer we are ready to take our actions a step further.”
Group Gob environmental activist Margalida Ramis also warned of irreversible damages unless tourism growth is curtailed.
Despite the rising tensions, some groups want to emphasize that the protests do not aim directly towards visitors.
“We're not opposed to tourists,” one set member said. “But we do not welcome the way we are in our cities or areas.
The movement includes activists from all over Europe, including Lisbon, Venice, Milan, Naples, Marseille, Genoa and the Pyrens.
