Spain is facing a growing backlash against mass tourism, as residents increasingly voice their frustrations over the negative impacts of an influx of visitors. In 2024 alone, the country welcomed over 90 million foreign tourists, and projections by consultancy firm Braintrust suggest that this number could rise to 115 million by 2040. With the Easter holidays approaching, protests are once again brewing, as locals demand immediate government action to alleviate the pressures on housing and public services caused by the overwhelming tourist numbers.
On April 5, 2025, hundreds of thousands of Spaniards took to the streets in over 40 cities, protesting against soaring housing costs and inadequate government measures to manage tourism. According to government authorities, around 15,000 marched in Madrid, while organizers claim that the number was closer to 150,000. In Barcelona, the city hall reported 12,000 participants, but organizers estimated the crowd at over 100,000. "Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods!" chanted protesters in Madrid, while in Barcelona, one demonstrator brandished a sign reading, "I am not leaving, vampire," a pointed message to real estate speculators.
The protests are fueled by the rising cost of living and the perception that tourism has become a burden on local communities. Last April, residents in Tenerife organized a hunger strike against two new hotel developments, expressing their frustration over the lack of affordable housing. Ivan Cerdena Molina, one of the protest organizers, stated, "We have nothing against individual tourists, but the industry is growing and growing, using up so many resources that the island cannot cope. Airbnb and Booking.com are like a cancer that is consuming the island bit by bit." The situation is echoed in other tourist hotspots like Barcelona and Madrid, where skyrocketing rental prices are pushing locals out of their homes.
In response to the growing unrest, the Spanish government has proposed a series of measures aimed at regulating tourism and protecting local housing markets. For instance, Barcelona's city council plans to eliminate tourist flat licenses by 2028 and has not granted new licenses since 2014, effectively freezing the supply at around 10,000 units. Additionally, Spain is considering implementing a 100 percent tax on properties purchased by non-EU residents, as homes sold to foreigners make up approximately 15 percent of the housing market, according to the Spanish property registry.
Despite these efforts, resentment towards tourists continues to simmer. In Majorca, locals staged a demonstration demanding solutions to the housing crisis, with activists declaring that "the greed and avarice of hoteliers, politicians, real estate investors, and 'parasites' of all kinds" have exacerbated the island’s problems. They urged tourists to reconsider their travel plans, labeling them as "the source of our problems." Following protests in Malaga, local authorities canceled plans to build 1,300 tourist homes, indicating that community pressure may be influencing policy decisions.
The situation is compounded by ongoing labor disputes in the hospitality sector across the Canary Islands, where employees are threatening to strike during the Easter holiday over pay issues. Spain's two main trade unions, CCOO and UGT, have proposed either a one-time payment or a 7.75 percent wage increase for hotel, restaurant, and bar staff, as 33.8 percent of residents in the Canary Islands are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute.
Last week, unrest erupted in Tenerife, where activists vandalized rental cars in response to the pressures of mass tourism. As tensions rise, 15 activist groups from Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France are set to meet in Barcelona next month to strategize their efforts against unsustainable tourism practices. The Majorca-based movement Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) has pledged to intensify its campaign this summer, highlighting the adverse effects of excessive tourism on local communities and the environment.
Meanwhile, Spain’s government has also introduced a range of new regulations aimed at managing the impact of tourism more effectively. Majorca has implemented strict penalties for inappropriate tourist behavior, including vandalism and public drunkenness, while Alicante has introduced hefty fines for noisy tourists, with penalties reaching up to £25,000. Tourists in Alicante are warned to keep noise levels down, especially during peak seasons.
Additionally, new laws require tourists to carry valid proof of accommodation, which can include hotel booking confirmations or emails from hosts. Failure to comply could result in fines as high as £8,000. In Benidorm, restrictions have been placed on beach access during late-night hours, with fines ranging from £640 to £1,030 for violations. This move aims to reduce crime and ensure the safety of both tourists and locals.
Spain's crackdown on unlicensed taxis is another part of the effort to regulate tourism. Tourists are encouraged to use only registered taxis, as using unlicensed services may lead to fines of up to £512. Furthermore, attending or hosting unlicensed parties, particularly in party hotspots like Majorca and Ibiza, can incur penalties of up to £25,000.
The travel industry is responding to these changes by advising tourists to familiarize themselves with the new regulations before traveling to Spain. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of overtourism, these legal measures reflect a broader effort to balance the influx of visitors with the preservation of local culture and the environment.
As Spain navigates the complexities of mass tourism, it serves as a reminder for travelers worldwide to respect local customs and follow regulations when visiting popular destinations. The recent changes in Spanish tourism laws highlight the importance of mindful and respectful travel, ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and beneficial for both visitors and locals alike.
