Anti-tourism protesters in Europe are using water guns on tourists
A recent wave of anti-tourism protests has erupted across several European countries, including Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal, as locals express frustration over the negative impacts of mass tourism. Protesters argue that the influx of visitors is driving up living costs,making it challenging for residents to afford housing. Demonstrations included the use of water guns to symbolically protest against tourists, a tactic that originated in Barcelona last year. Locals claim that the tourist boom has led to significant rent increases and the replacement of traditional shops with tourist-centric businesses.
For instance, residents like Andreu Martínez in Barcelona highlight that their rents have soared by over 30% due to the demand for short-term rentals. In cities like Venice, Milan, and Palma, protests have underscored the local dissatisfaction, while in Paris, Louvre workers protested working conditions attributed to high tourist volumes. In 2024, Spain welcomed around 94 million tourists, a staggering number compared to its population of 48 million, with projections indicating potential increases beyond 100 million in 2025.Although tourism contributes around 12% to Spain’s GDP, groups like Menys Turisme Mes Vida advocate for reduced tourism to preserve local communities and resources.
Anti-tourism protesters in Europe are using water guns on tourists
A wave of anti-tourism protests occurred throughout Europe over the weekend as locals grew weary of tourists in their country.
Protesters gathered throughout Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal to demonstrate against what they argue is mass tourism. Organizers of the demonstrations have claimed that the influx of travelers into their countries has led to a significant increase in the cost of living, making it unsustainable for local residents, according to Sky News.
Protesters have started spraying tourists with water guns to voice their displeasure, according to multiple reports. It was a practice that began last year in Barcelona, as protesters squirted water guns at tourists to protest their presence.
“The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,” Barcelona resident Andreu Martínez said. “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.”
Martinez told CBS News that mass tourism has caused his rent to increase by over 30% as visitors to the city utilize apartments for short-term rentals. He also said the influx of tourists in the area has caused economic shifts, with traditional stores in the area being replaced with venues to attract tourists to spend money. This included economic pivots to souvenir shops, food establishments, and refreshment locations such as “bubble tea” stores, according to reports.
Sky News reported that protests occurred in the Spanish cities of Barcelona, Ibiza, and Palma, the Italian cities of Venice, Milan, and Naples, and the Portuguese city of Lisbon. The anti-tourism movement hit Paris on Monday, as workers from the Louvre, the world-renowned museum and one of the city’s preeminent tourist attractions, spontaneously went on strike to protest the number of tourists visiting the museum, which they claimed created poor working conditions.
In 2024, records revealed that Spain had visits from 94 million tourists while having a national population of only 48 million, ABC News reported. Early estimates for this year suggest that number could surpass 100 million. And while many have decried the situation regarding the influx of tourists in the country, revenue from the tourism industry is responsible for 12% of the country’s GDP.
The anti-tourism group Menys Turisme Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) expressed resentment over tourism’s adverse effects on Spanish cities.
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“We say enough to the destruction of the territory, to the precariousness, to the housing crisis, to the loss of rights,” the groups said in a statement to Sky News.
“It is very likely the water pistols will be back,” said Daniel Pardo, an organizer of a Barcelona protest. “In fact, we encourage people to bring their own.”
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