Protests in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France have been taking place as locals become more frustrated by the impact of tourism on the affordability of houses.
Rising tide
Already this year there have been demonstrations in the Canary Islands and Majorca. Last July a protest in Barcelona made international headlines.
Tourists eating at restaurants were squirted with water pistols and faced placards saying “tourists go home” and “you are not welcome”. More than 3,000 locals were part of that protest.
Tourism is 14% of Spain’s GDP
Although tourism counts for 14% of Barcelona’s GDP, an increasingly unaffordable rental market is being worsened by the demand for short-term housing from tourists using Airbnb and other means to book holiday locations.
Barcelona has a population of 1.7 million. More than 12 million tourists stayed at least one night last year, totally swamping locals.
Many locals are incensed by tourists crowding monuments, streets and restaurants. They even accuse local restaurants of pandering to bland tourist tastes rather than taking pride in local cuisine.
Local folks increasingly peeved
Venice has been charging an admission fee. Amsterdam has barred cruise ships and new hotels from being built.
In Japan officials have put up a screen to block a popular view of Mount Fuji that was used as a selfie backdrop.
If you are planning a last-minute Father’s Day surprise or a weekend-away break, you may want to change your mind or face the wrath of incensed locals.
