Saturday, June 21, 2025

In the summer of 2025, European cities that are beloved by tourists are grappling with a surge in overtourism that’s reaching unprecedented levels. For the second consecutive summer, protests against tourism are erupting across , as residents fight to reclaim their neighborhoods and reduce the impact of the booming travel industry. From to to , locals are voicing their frustrations, with many pointing to the post-COVID tourism boom that shows no signs of slowing down.

This summer, protests are taking on a more visible form, with residents using creative and sometimes playful methods to express their discontent, such as spraying tourists with water guns. But behind these actions lies a more serious concern: the growing costs of living, rising rents, and a lack of affordable housing in cities overwhelmed by tourists. As American tourism to Europe continues to climb—projected to increase for the fourth year in a row—locals are feeling the burden of crowds, high prices, and displacement.

This article dives into the effects of overtourism on European destinations, the protests happening across Southern Europe, and how local governments and businesses are reacting to the growing discontent. We’ll also explore the role of platforms like , and how short-term rentals are contributing to the housing crisis in many cities.

Since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, tourism in Europe has soared to new heights. According to a report by , the number of this summer is expected to rise for the , further contributing to the challenges of overcrowded cities and higher costs. While tourism is a significant driver of economic growth in many European cities, it has also become a source of tension, particularly in places where the influx of visitors is outpacing the local capacity to accommodate them.

The term “” refers to the phenomenon where the volume of visitors overwhelms the infrastructure and local communities. While tourists flock to famous landmarks like the in Paris or in Barcelona, residents are struggling to cope with the consequences: higher living costs, loss of cultural heritage, and overcrowded public spaces. This imbalance has fueled local protests that demand more sustainable tourism practices, with residents calling for a reduction in visitor numbers and better regulations.

As tourism numbers continue to climb, locals have taken to the streets to protest what they see as the negative impacts of mass tourism. In , , and , demonstrators are increasingly resorting to playful methods like , a symbolic act to show their frustration. This form of protest has gained attention as a lighthearted but effective way to push back against the massive influx of visitors.

However, the protests go beyond water guns and public demonstrations. In , staff at the museum went on strike to protest against the and they face due to the increasing number of visitors. The spontaneous strike led to the temporary closure of the world’s most visited museum, highlighting the pressure that cultural institutions are under as they deal with growing tourist numbers.

Protests like these reflect the rising discontent in cities that rely heavily on tourism as an economic driver but are increasingly struggling with the social, economic, and environmental costs associated with mass tourism.

A major factor in the tourism problem in many European cities is the role of . While these platforms provide convenient and often affordable accommodation options for travelers, they have been widely criticized for reducing the supply of long-term rental housing, particularly in popular tourist destinations. This, in turn, has contributed to rising rents and housing shortages for local residents.

In , the city government recently called for the , aiming to tackle the housing crisis caused by the growth of vacation rentals. Locals argue that Airbnb’s influence has made it harder for residents to find affordable homes in neighborhoods that are heavily affected by tourism.

Airbnb has responded by stating that , positioning the platform as a less significant player in the overall tourism landscape. However, critics argue that the sheer volume of short-term rentals in major cities like and has exacerbated the problem of overtourism, with entire neighborhoods being transformed into temporary accommodations for travelers instead of permanent homes for residents.

Tourism undeniably provides significant economic benefits to cities across Europe. In 2024, saw a compared to 2023, highlighting the vital role of travel and hospitality industries in local economies. However, the influx of tourists has come at a high cost to residents. As more properties are converted into short-term rentals, fewer homes are available for local families, pushing housing prices and rents higher.

In cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon, locals are increasingly feeling like they are being pushed out of their own neighborhoods. Many argue that tourism is becoming unsustainable, as the very charm that draws tourists to these cities is being eroded by the growing demand for services and housing that cater to short-term visitors.

To address the concerns of residents and balance the needs of tourists, local governments are beginning to take action. Some cities have already implemented measures such as:

These efforts are part of a broader movement toward sustainable tourism, where the focus shifts from simply attracting large numbers of visitors to creating a more balanced and respectful relationship between tourists and residents.

As the debate over overtourism continues to unfold, European cities are facing the challenge of balancing economic growth with the needs of local communities. The rise of anti-tourism protests and the growing push for sustainable practices indicate that change is on the horizon. Moving forward, cities will need to find innovative solutions to manage tourism growth while ensuring that it benefits everyone—tourists and residents alike.

For now, the message from European residents is clear: tourism must evolve into a model that respects local communities, preserves cultural heritage, and minimizes the negative impacts on the environment. By focusing on sustainable practices, regulating short-term rentals, and promoting off-peak tourism, Europe’s most popular destinations can continue to thrive without compromising the quality of life for those who call these cities home.