Southern Europe is sick of tourists

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Cities across Southern Europe, including Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, are experiencing growing frustration among locals towards tourists due to issues like water scarcity, overcrowding, and rising housing costs
• Post-pandemic tourism surges have exacerbated these problems, leading to protests and acts of defiance against visitors
• Activists argue that over-tourism accelerates gentrification, strains local resources, and negatively impacts the quality of life for residents

🔭 The context: Southern European countries heavily rely on tourism, with it accounting for up to 8% of GDP in nations like Spain, Italy, and Greece
• The return of tourists after COVID-19 restrictions has contributed to economic recovery, but has also led to tensions in popular destinations
• Anti-tourism protests have erupted in cities like Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, and other hotspots, where locals are pushing back against disruptive visitor behavior and the impact on daily life

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The surge in tourism puts significant pressure on local resources, particularly water, which is increasingly scarce due to climate change
• Sustainable tourism practices are crucial to preserving environmental and social well-being in these regions
• Effective management of tourist numbers and responsible tourism policies can help balance economic benefits with the need to protect natural and urban environments

⏭️ What's next: Cities are exploring various measures to manage tourism, such as Barcelona's planned shutdown of short-term rentals by 2028 and Venice's symbolic entry fee
• Authorities and policymakers need to develop strategies that balance economic, social, and environmental impacts, considering both residents' needs and tourism's economic importance

💬 One quote: “Already then, we saw a movement and protests against tourism in destinations, and we see them returning,” said Sandra Carvão, director of market intelligence at the United Nations' tourism agency

📈 One stat: In 2023, the Balearic Islands received 14.4 million tourists, compared to a year-round population of around 1.2 million residents

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