2024 picks: Why Spain can’t stand tourists anymore
Dec 23, 2024
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Sebastian Zenker, a tourism professor at the Copenhagen Business School, shares his expert insights on the rising tensions between locals and tourists in Spain. He discusses how overtourism is fueling frustration in popular cities like Barcelona, with residents feeling overwhelmed by massive tourist traffic. Zenker explores innovative local initiatives aiming to prioritize citizen needs, the significant impact of platforms like Airbnb on community dynamics, and vital strategies for easing pressure on these cherished destinations.
Local resentment towards tourists in Barcelona has grown due to overtourism's impact on housing affordability and community spirit.
Cities are exploring strategies like demarketing campaigns and tourist caps to manage visitor numbers and prioritize residents' needs.
Deep dives
Rising Tensions Between Locals and Tourists
Locals in popular tourist destinations, such as Barcelona, are increasingly voicing their resentment towards the influx of tourists, as they express concerns over the impact on their daily lives. Reports show that residents feel overwhelmed by the number of visitors, leading to protests demanding tourists to leave. Many locals believe that the tourism industry has prioritized profit over the welfare of the community, making it difficult for them to afford housing and live comfortably. The City Council's plan to shut down holiday apartments by 2028 is a response to this growing discontent, aiming to restore balance and ensure that the city serves its citizens first.
The Role of Airbnb in Overtourism
The emergence of platforms like Airbnb has significantly contributed to the overtourism problem by transforming how visitors experience local neighborhoods. Instead of offering shared accommodations with a resident-friendly approach, many properties are now rented out entirely to tourists, driving up housing costs and displacing local families. Data reveals that in Barcelona alone, short-term rentals have skyrocketed, resulting in housing prices increasing seven times over the last decade. This shift not only affects residents' livelihoods but also dampens community spirit, further fueling animosity towards tourists.
Seeking Solutions for Sustainable Tourism
Various strategies are being explored to address the challenges posed by overtourism, including demarketing campaigns aimed at discouraging specific types of tourists. For instance, cities like Amsterdam have initiated campaigns targeting rowdy visitors, utilizing fines and informative ads to shift perceptions about acceptable behavior. Additionally, implementing tourist caps and entrance fees has emerged as a potential solution to manage visitor numbers without compromising the integrity of the local community. Overall, finding a balance where tourism can coexist with the needs of residents requires collaborative efforts to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably distributed.