Spanish Housing Crisis: Tourists Targeted Amidst Blamed Airbnb and Political Inaction
On June 15th, 2025, coordinated protests against overtourism erupted across Southern Europe, with the largest demonstration in Palma, Mallorca. Protesters, concerned about rising housing costs and the displacement of residents, employed water pistols to playfully disrupt tourists, highlighting their frustration with the negative impacts of mass tourism. The demonstrations, occurring in cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice, underscore growing tensions between residents and the tourism industry, which is increasingly blamed for erasing local character and affordability. Governments are attempting to address these concerns, with Spain recently taking action against illegal short-term rentals, but significant challenges remain in balancing economic benefits with residents’ needs.
John Q. Hosedrinker