યુરોપમાં પ્રવાસન વિરોધી વિરોધ પ્રદર્શનોમાં વિસ્ફોટક ઉછાળામાં ગ્રીસ ઇટાલી, સ્પેન અને ફ્રાન્સ સાથે જોડાયું

મંગળવાર, જૂન 10, 2025

As Europe braces for another summer of heightened tourism, activists are preparing to organize significant anti-tourism protests, drawing attention to the challenges of overtourism. Scheduled for June 15, 2025, these protests are expected to disrupt major tourist destinations across the continent, with a focus on addressing the environmental, social, and economic toll tourism has taken on local communities. the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification, a prominent activist group, has called for coordinated protests targeting popular attractions, airports, and tour buses, with the aim of highlighting urgent issues such as the housing crisis, rising rents, and the environmental degradation caused by mass tourism.

The Rise of Anti-Tourism Activism

The growing frustration with overtourism has led to an increase in activism across Europe, with local residents in some of the continent’s most visited destinations becoming increasingly vocal about the negative impact tourism has on their daily lives. Activists participating in these protests are using a variety of methods to capture the public’s attention, from holding placards and using water pistols to creating visual disruptions in crowded areas. While the protests are aimed at drawing attention to these pressing issues, organizers are clear that the goal is not to attack tourists directly but to bring awareness to the underlying problems caused by tourism, such as the displacement of locals, overcrowding, and environmental harm.

સાથે એક મુલાકાતમાં ન્યૂ યોર્ક પોસ્ટ, an anonymous organizer of the event explained that the protests were designed to focus on the broader social and environmental issues at play. “The goal is not to attack individuals but to draw attention to the social and environmental toll tourism is taking on our cities,” the organizer said. “We are being squeezed out of our homes, our public spaces, and our daily lives.”

Another activist added, “It’s not about hating tourists, it’s about saving our communities.” This statement reflects the growing sentiment among local residents in some of Europe’s most popular cities, where the influx of tourists is seen as contributing to the loss of affordable housing, the degradation of public spaces, and the erosion of local cultures.

Majorca: The Epicenter of Anti-Tourism Protests

One of the most significant flashpoints for these protests is the Spanish island of Majorca, which has seen a growing number of anti-tourism groups mobilizing against what they describe as the overwhelming influence of tourism on the local community. With approximately 60 anti-tourism groups planning to take to the streets of Majorca, the island is expected to see some of the largest protests of the summer.

The slogan adopted by the movement, “For the right to a decent life; Stop touristification,” encapsulates the core message of the protests: local residents are demanding the right to live in their communities without being pushed out by rising rents, overcrowding, and the commodification of public spaces. Majorca, like many other popular tourist destinations, has long struggled with the challenges posed by overtourism, with local infrastructure and resources often stretched to their limits during peak tourist seasons.

For residents of these affected areas, the growing number of tourists and the accompanying rise in living costs have made it increasingly difficult for them to maintain a sustainable and affordable lifestyle. With many properties being converted into short-term vacation rentals, locals are being forced out of their homes, which further exacerbates the housing crisis.

Tourism Industry’s Response to Overtourism

The tourism industry, which has faced increasing criticism for its role in exacerbating overtourism, is starting to take notice of the growing discontent and is beginning to seek ways to strike a balance between meeting the demands of travelers and ensuring that local communities are not adversely affected. Brett Mitchell, the Managing Director of Intrepid Travel Australia, shared his company’s stance on the issue during an interview with ન્યૂ યોર્ક પોસ્ટ.

Mitchell emphasized the importance of finding a middle ground that allows tourists to enjoy the destinations they visit without compromising the quality of life for locals. “It’s a shared responsibility to battle overtourism,” Mitchell said. “Government officials, tour operators, cruise lines, and airlines need to work together to ensure the most popular destinations aren’t negatively impacted by tourism.”

Mitchell acknowledged that while the issue of overtourism is complex, it is not going away anytime soon. “The reality is tourism is not going to slow down. It’s a mega trend, and it’s only going to get bigger and bigger. If the issue is not addressed, it’s going to get worse every year,” he said. He went on to suggest that travelers themselves can play a role in mitigating the effects of overtourism by being more mindful of their travel choices.

Tips for Travelers to Avoid Contributing to Overtourism

Mitchell shared several tips for travelers who want to help alleviate the pressures of overtourism on popular destinations. One of his key suggestions is to travel during the off-season or shoulder season, when crowds are typically smaller, and the local community is less likely to be overwhelmed by an influx of visitors. Traveling during these times allows tourists to enjoy the beauty of the destination without contributing to the congestion and overcrowding that is common during peak travel seasons.

Another helpful tip Mitchell offered was to explore lesser-known areas of a destination. “Getting off the beaten track is another really good way to try and avoid crowds,” he explained. While iconic tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome are must-see landmarks, Mitchell suggested that visitors should consider exploring alternative areas that may not be as well-known but still offer a rich cultural experience.

“Yes, go and see these amazing iconic tourist spots, but get there early, and then move on and go and see other alternative areas and destinations,” he added. By diversifying the places they visit, travelers can help spread out the impact of tourism and contribute to the overall well-being of the destination.

The Growing Role of Sustainable Travel Practices

In response to growing concerns about the environmental and social impacts of tourism, there has been a noticeable shift towards more sustainable travel practices. Many tourists are now seeking destinations and experiences that prioritize environmental preservation and social responsibility. This includes choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and engaging in low-impact activities such as hiking, biking, and nature-based tourism.

The rise in sustainable tourism is being driven by a growing awareness of the need to protect the world’s natural resources and cultural heritage. In many cases, this shift is being supported by local governments and organizations, which are implementing measures to encourage responsible travel and minimize the negative effects of tourism on the environment and local communities.

For example, some cities have started to implement tourist caps, limiting the number of visitors allowed to enter popular attractions at any given time. Others have introduced “tourism taxes” or fees that go towards funding conservation efforts and supporting local communities. These initiatives are designed to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the destination and does not overwhelm its resources.

A Call for Action from the Tourism Industry

As the global tourism sector continues to recover from the pandemic, the issue of overtourism remains a key challenge for many destinations. While tourism is an essential part of the global economy, it is crucial that the industry finds ways to balance the needs of travelers with the well-being of local communities and the preservation of natural resources.

To achieve this, governments, tourism operators, and travelers must all work together to create sustainable travel solutions that minimize the negative impacts of mass tourism. This includes promoting off-season travel, supporting alternative destinations, and encouraging sustainable practices across the industry.

The tourism industry’s responsibility extends beyond simply providing services to tourists; it must also act as a steward of the destinations it promotes. By focusing on sustainability and responsible travel, the tourism sector can play a critical role in ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same cultural and natural wonders that attract visitors today.

A Turning Point for Tourism in Europe

The upcoming anti-tourism protests in Europe are a clear sign that the issue of overtourism is no longer an issue that can be ignored. As travelers become more conscientious about the destinations they visit, it is essential for the tourism industry to adapt and respond to the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences. The actions of activists, combined with the growing interest in responsible tourism, could pave the way for a more balanced and sustainable tourism industry that benefits both travelers and local communities.

As the tourism industry looks toward the future, it will need to embrace new ways of thinking about travel and work collaboratively with local governments, residents, and businesses to ensure that tourism remains a force for good, promoting economic growth while preserving the natural and cultural assets that make each destination unique.

The success of sustainable tourism depends on collective action, and it is only by addressing the challenges posed by overtourism that we can create a future where tourism benefits everyone — from the travelers to the locals and the destinations themselves.