Europe's flood of vacationers: Locals defend themselves against mass tourism!

Europe's flood of vacationers: Locals defend themselves against mass tourism!

Hallstatt, Österreich - More and more people are moving to the popular holiday destinations in Europe. But what is a dream for many becomes a nightmare for the locals. The effects of mass tourism can be felt in many cities in the continent. Like adz.news reports, the locals suffer from traffic chaos, overcrowded supermarkets and rising rents. The quality of life disappears and the anger of the population is expressed in creative protest.

The conditions in Mallorca are particularly dramatic, where activists use fake warnings to deter tourists. In Barcelona, on the other hand, holidaymakers are sprayed with water pistols, while stickers are distributed with the inscription "Tourists Go Home". Such measures are an expression of a deep frustration over the economic exploitation of public space. More and more people feel like extras in a spectacle that they cannot influence.

excitement about increased rents and loss of identity

In many southern European countries, such as Spain, where 85 million international visitors were already counted in 2023, the situation is precarious. The locals in Tenerife protest against mass tourism, which not only drives up rents, but also contains the environment. Cities like Barcelona are already planning sharp measures: From 2029, all apartments are to be abolished in order to create living space for locals. Venice, on the other hand, has been raising a daily fee of five euros for tourists since April 2024, which has already earned income of 2.2 million euros.

However, the challenge of over -tourism runs throughout Europe. Initiatives such as "Stay Away" in Amsterdam are intended to fight tourists's disrespectful behavior. The problem is also reflected in the social media, highlighting hotspots and thus further strengthening the pressure on the popular travel destinations, explains Pro.Earth . However, the reactions of the municipalities are often hesitant and not very effective.

sustainable solutions required

The pressure on tourist hotspots is expected to increase in the coming years. According to the UNWO forecasts, the number of international tourists from 1.5 billion could increase to 1.8 billion by 2030 in 2019. The resulting challenges are huge, but the citizens defend themselves. The need to find sustainable solutions is increased. Measures such as promoting trips outside the high season or the introduction of tourism taxes could help defuse the situation. In Croatia, for example, the number of cruise ships is limited and holiday apartments in apartment buildings are prohibited to counteractive tourism.

A very important concern remains that the local population is integrated into decision -making processes. More and more cities are value on participation and listen to the voices of the locals. This should not only preserve the identity of the places, but also prevent the loss of the social structure.

It is clear: tourism is and remains an economic cornerstone, but the need for a rethink and sustainable measures is more urgent than ever. The question is how long the locals can watch until the tourist gold mine shows its true face and the balanced coexistence of travelers and residents is at risk.