Mass anti-tourist protests in Europe expose major travel issue

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Mass anti-tourist protests in Europe expose major travel issue #breakingnews #spain #tourism #overtourism #europe #protest #italy #portugal #barcelona #housingcrisis #travel Travel reporter Chantelle Francis unpacks why local residents in several key tourist locations in Southern Europe, including in Spain, Italy and Portugal have broken out into passionate protest using coloured gas bombs and water pistols against visiting tourists, and how it exposes a great social, economic and cultural issue that has been building in the years after the COVID pandemic. -- Anti-tourism protests erupted across Europe as locals fight back against overwhelming visitor numbers. Dramatic scenes in Spain, Italy and Portugal on 15 June 2025 saw one protester in Majorca brandishing an axe while confronting dining tourists. In Barcelona, demonstrators used water guns and smoke bombs, placing "go home" stickers on hotels and businesses. The unrest highlights growing tensions between residents and tourism in popular destinations. Locals cite worsening housing crises, unaffordable rents and environmental damage as their cities become "playgrounds for foreigners." Officials acknowledge these challenges but maintain tourism remains essential to these economies. Destinations are responding with new measures including increased tourist taxes, visitor caps, restrictions on holiday rentals and cruise ships, and stricter entry requirements. Travel experts suggest visiting during off-peak seasons, exploring beyond major attractions, and supporting locally-owned businesses to reduce negative impacts. These demonstrations mark a critical moment in the global conversation about sustainable tourism and how communities can balance economic benefits with residents' quality of life. Connect With news.com.au Online ► [] ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Follow Us: Facebook ► [ Instagram ► [ TikTok ► [@news.com.au] X ► [ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel For The Very Latest News From Australia And Around The World: ► [ ► [ ► [ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬