Spain has a tourism problem one that it must deal with now
What’s happening
The weekend saw citizens across Spain are preparing coordinated protests—using water pistols, smoke bombs, banners and stickers against “touristification” in major cities such as Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza, Malaga, San Sebastián, Granada, and Mallorca.
Planned water‑pistol stunts at airports and tourist zones; localised events include “Your holidays, my misery” slogans and to curb tourism.
Protesters insist they’re targeting the tourism system, not individual travellers. They demand stricter limits on short‑term rentals, airport expansion, and tourist traffic
Why now
Overcrowding, skyrocketing rents, loss of local heritage and city centres dominated by short-term rentals have fuelled frustration and priced out locals from the central area. In Barcelona, 26 million visitors landed in a crowded a city of 1.6 million Catalans in 2024.
The Spanish authorities have already imposed fines and taxes of 100% on property investments from the UK, and limited Airbnb licenses, but this will just fuel blackmarket sales.
The main issue is the Spanish economy, it still hasn’t recovered from the financial crisis.
The root cause of the problem
Explosive growth in short‑term holiday lets and property speculation by investors are accelerating Spain’s housing crisis, reducing supply and inflating prices
There is a united front from protesters, which include real estate agents, and homeowners. Local real estate agent highlights tiny, basement dwellings being marketed to locals and not tourists. Lawyers in Palma report price increases that “inevitably lead to protests”. In Mallorca a Brit tourist hotspot the locals have been forced to move out.
What the Spanish government can do
Government has revoked tens of thousands of Airbnb licences and moves to ban tourist rentals in cities like Barcelona by 2028
Spain’s Economy Minister warns over-tourism worsens housing shortages, even though tourism remains a vital to the Spanish economy.
Why it Matters
- Cities vs. tourists: Urban centres are struggling to balance economic benefits with preserving residents’ quality of life.
- Broader movement: Spain is the epicentre—but Italy and Portugal are staging similar protests simultaneously.
- Economic tension: Tourism supports up to €838 billion in annual EU travel spending, yet triggers social strain
- Policy crossroads: Spain’s crackdown on short‑term rentals and airport expansion signals a shift toward tighter, sustainability‑focused regulation. Success hinges on whether tourism revenue can be preserved while ensuring affordable housing and resilient communities.
Between The Lines
Spain is a tourist hotspot: managing record tourism with a faltering economy. While preventing housing displacement and preserving cultural identity is a key part of political reform, foreign investments have over-priced the property market.
As protests grow louder, the government is responding with aggressive regulation—setting the stage for a redefined relationship between tourism, property rights, and urban wellbeing.