Tourism continues to rise in Europe’s popular destinations, but following widespread protests in 2024, what can we expect for the upcoming year?
The past year saw numerous anti-tourism protests across the continent, with locals in cities like Amsterdam, Athens, Venice, Barcelona, Málaga, and the Canary Islands fighting against overtourism. These protests took many forms, including marches, campaigns, and even the use of water pistols, as residents voiced their concerns over the negative effects of excessive tourism.
As we move into 2025, the question remains: Are authorities and protestors aligned in their efforts to manage the growing number of visitors? Here’s a look at the responses from both sides.
Authorities’ Measures to Tackle Overtourism
Several cities have already implemented various measures to combat the impact of tourism. In Barcelona, the city council has committed to eliminating Airbnb-style accommodation by 2028. In December 2024, they took the first step by approving stricter limits on short-term rentals. Venice introduced measures in August to limit tour groups and ban megaphones, while Málaga imposed a ban on new holiday flats in 43 neighbourhoods. The Canary Islands have also made significant strides, mandating that 90% of residential areas must be reserved for permanent residents by 2029. Amsterdam, on the other hand, launched a ‘Stay Away’ campaign, featuring an interactive quiz to encourage tourists to respect local etiquette.
However, the protests in Spain, which have been particularly intense, highlight concerns beyond just the crowds and noise. Many argue that the increase in tourist accommodations has contributed to the ongoing housing crisis. In cities like Barcelona, protestors are pushing for a reduction in tourism, believing that the current approach, which encourages growth, is exacerbating social, environmental, and housing challenges.
The View from Protestors
“We need tourism to decrease,” says a spokesperson for the Assembly of Neighbourhoods for the Decline of Tourism (ABDT) in Barcelona, which organized some of the protests. While the authorities have introduced some policies, protestors argue that these are insufficient and largely symbolic. They believe that Barcelona’s goal of banning tourist apartments by 2028 is a half-hearted effort, stating that such measures would come too late and are unlikely to address the underlying issues. The ABDT advocates for a more significant reduction in all types of tourist accommodations, including hotels, which they argue contribute to the housing shortage.
In the Canary Islands, Nestor Marrero Rodríguez, from the Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature (ATAN), shares similar concerns. He points out that new tourism projects continue to be planned despite the ongoing protests, which he believes contribute to environmental degradation and local poverty. Rodríguez supports a manifesto calling for an eco-tax on tourism, limitations on new construction, and better waste treatment systems. In 2025, he predicts more protests, although specific dates have yet to be disclosed.
Rodríguez also warns potential visitors to consider more sustainable destinations, pointing out that tourists’ money often contributes to the depletion of local resources and the impoverishment of communities.
Amsterdam’s Approach to Overtourism
In Amsterdam, city councillor Sofyan Mbarki discusses the measures planned for 2025. Over the past few years, the city has implemented more than 75 initiatives to reduce the impact of tourism, including regulating vacation rentals, relocating river cruises, and banning coach tours in the city centre. While these efforts have shown some success, Mbarki acknowledges that more needs to be done to cope with the growing number of visitors.
In 2025, Amsterdam will continue to ban the creation of new hotel rooms and will enforce earlier closing times for cafes and restaurants. The city will also work on redistributing coffee shops across different neighborhoods. Mbarki believes these measures have improved the livability of the city, but more will be needed to manage the increasing tourism and reduce disturbances in the future.
“Visitors are still welcome, but only if they respect the rules,” Mbarki says. He encourages tourists to explore areas outside the city centre to help reduce overcrowding and ensure that popular tourist spots remain enjoyable for both residents and visitors.
Moving Forward
As we enter 2025, it’s clear that both protestors and authorities are determined to address the challenges posed by overtourism, but their approaches differ. While cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam have introduced new regulations, protestors continue to push for more drastic measures to curb the negative effects of tourism. The coming year may see further demonstrations as these groups work to balance the needs of residents, tourists, and local economies.
