In a powerful wave of activism, protesters in southern Europe have taken to the streets, armed with squirt guns and rolling suitcases, to highlight the negative effects of mass tourism on local communities. Over the weekend, thousands gathered in city hotspots such as Barcelona, Genoa, and Lisbon, each demonstrating against rising living costs and environmental degradation fueled by the tourism industry.
In Barcelona, activists shouted slogans like “Tourists go home” while parading down the famous Golden Mile, where luxury shops line the streets. In a symbolic act, they sprayed water at tourists outside high-end stores, illustrating their frustration with the high costs that make living in the city increasingly difficult for locals.
The protests drew inspiration from previous gatherings and workshops focused on the downsides of overtourism, revealing that many residents feel alienated in their own neighborhoods. “It’s about more than just tourists; it’s a struggle for survival,” said Joan Mas, a waiter from Barcelona. “Tourism enriches businesses at the cost of our homes.”
Efforts to halt mass tourism continue to gain momentum, with demonstrators uniting across different countries to demand a re-evaluation of the tourism model that prioritizes short-term profits over the well-being of local populations. The movement is a clarion call for sustainable practices that respect both communities and the environment.
In Barcelona, activists shouted slogans like “Tourists go home” while parading down the famous Golden Mile, where luxury shops line the streets. In a symbolic act, they sprayed water at tourists outside high-end stores, illustrating their frustration with the high costs that make living in the city increasingly difficult for locals.
The protests drew inspiration from previous gatherings and workshops focused on the downsides of overtourism, revealing that many residents feel alienated in their own neighborhoods. “It’s about more than just tourists; it’s a struggle for survival,” said Joan Mas, a waiter from Barcelona. “Tourism enriches businesses at the cost of our homes.”
Efforts to halt mass tourism continue to gain momentum, with demonstrators uniting across different countries to demand a re-evaluation of the tourism model that prioritizes short-term profits over the well-being of local populations. The movement is a clarion call for sustainable practices that respect both communities and the environment.
