What is behind the rise in anti-tourism protests? | BBC News

Summary

Tourism, a significant economic driver globally, faces increasing backlash in certain destinations like Barcelona and Mexico. Locals protest due to overcrowding, rising housing costs, and strained resources. While some cities see this growing resentment, others, such as Southeast Asian countries, are eager for more visitors. Social media has exacerbated the issue, as tourists flock to popular spots for the perfect photo. Solutions like taxes and short-term rental bans are being implemented, but balancing tourism's economic benefits with local well-being remains a challenge. The key is responsible tourism, considering resource demands and minimizing impact on local communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Over-tourism is a growing issue in popular tourist destinations, with cities like Barcelona seeing protests and even violent backlash against visitors.
• 😀 Tourism's impact on local housing markets is significant, with short-term rentals like Airbnb driving up rent prices and making it difficult for locals to afford housing.
• 😀 High volumes of tourists can put a strain on local resources such as water, power, and waste management, leading to issues like shortages and infrastructure overload.
• 😀 The influx of tourists can erode the sense of community, as areas that were once residential turn into zones dominated by short-term rentals and tourist services.
• 😀 While protests against tourism have gained attention, many people in countries like Spain still welcome tourists, despite the negative impacts on their daily lives.
• 😀 Tourism is not universally hated; countries like Greenland, Morocco, and Southeast Asian nations actively seek more visitors due to the economic benefits.
• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic altered tourism dynamics, with locals experiencing life without tourists and questioning if tourism should continue at its previous levels.
• 😀 Social media has contributed to 'herd tourism,' where tourists flock to the same destinations to capture the perfect photo, causing overcrowding and logistical issues.
• 😀 Venice has implemented a tourist tax during peak seasons, and other cities, including Barcelona, are considering measures like banning short-term holiday rentals to reduce tourism's negative effects.
• 😀 To minimize their impact, tourists can consider using public transport, reducing waste, and staying longer in one place instead of taking frequent short trips that add pressure to destinations.

Q & A

Why do some locals hate tourists?

Locals in some popular tourist destinations express frustration because tourism can lead to overcrowding, higher housing costs due to short-term rentals like Airbnb, strain on local resources (such as water, power, and waste management), and a loss of community identity as areas become more commercialized.

What specific issues arise due to tourism in Barcelona?

In Barcelona, the high influx of tourists has caused overcrowded streets, a significant rise in housing prices, a lack of affordable rentals for locals, and strain on local infrastructure such as water and power. The average rent in Barcelona has doubled in the last decade, making it difficult for residents to afford housing.

How do Airbnb rentals contribute to the housing crisis in tourist-heavy cities?

Airbnb rentals contribute to the housing crisis by increasing the demand for short-term rentals, leading landlords to prioritize tourists over locals. This drives up rental prices, making housing unaffordable for residents, and reduces the availability of long-term rental properties.

What impact does tourism have on local communities beyond the economy?

Tourism can erode the sense of community in local neighborhoods, especially when many homes are converted into short-term rentals. Local amenities often become tourist-focused (like gift shops), and workers may be forced to take on roles as tour guides, diminishing the local character and lifestyle.

Are all countries experiencing a backlash against tourism?

No, not all countries are experiencing backlash. For example, countries like Greenland, Morocco, and Georgia actively welcome more tourists. Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, also relies heavily on tourism and is focused on bringing back visitors post-pandemic.

Why is the backlash against tourism growing in some places?

The backlash is growing due to several factors, including a higher number of people being able to travel post-pandemic, the pressure of mass tourism on local infrastructure, and the rise of social media, which concentrates tourists in specific popular spots, causing overcrowding.

How did the pandemic change people's perception of tourism?

During the pandemic, many locals in tourist-heavy destinations, like Spain, experienced a period without tourists, which allowed them to enjoy their cities and spaces without the usual crowds. This shift led to a reevaluation of whether such levels of tourism should continue after the pandemic.

How do budget airlines and social media contribute to increased tourism?

Budget airlines, such as EasyJet and Ryan Air, have made travel more affordable, making it easier for people to visit popular destinations. Meanwhile, social media amplifies the desire to visit iconic locations, as tourists often flock to the same spots for photo opportunities, creating concentrated crowds and further exacerbating overcrowding.

What is the impact of social media on tourist destinations?

Social media often creates a 'herd mentality,' where tourists visit the same places to take similar photos for their profiles. This leads to overcrowding in specific locations, as seen in places like Japan, where iconic sites become overwhelmed with people seeking the same image, negatively affecting the experience for everyone.

What measures have some cities taken to address the negative impact of tourism?

Cities like Venice have implemented tourist taxes during peak times, which has been effective in controlling overcrowding. Barcelona has announced a complete ban on short-term holiday rentals by 2029, and the Spanish government plans to build more homes for locals while balancing the needs of the tourism industry.