Photo: Emilio Morenatti/AP
According to the study, tourism remains an important source of income for EU countries. However, it is perceived by local residents as a source of pressure due to rising housing prices and a shortage of long-term rentals.
Spain Leads in Anti-Tourism Protests
Spain ranked first among 30 countries. According to the study, anti-tourism protests have been recorded in more than 40 cities—from Barcelona to the Canary Islands.
Catalonia, one of Europe’s most visited regions, welcomed approximately 20.1 million tourists in 2025. Amid rising tourist numbers, protests took place in Barcelona last June with slogans such as “Tourism is killing Barcelona.”
Italy ranked second. Protests were reported in Venice, Rome, Florence, Naples, and Milan. In some cases, activists protested against short-term rentals and damaged infrastructure used by landlords.
The Venetian authorities have already introduced additional measures. On certain dates in the spring and summer, a tax is imposed on day-trippers, aimed at reducing the strain on the historic center.
France rounds out the top three. Protests took place in Paris, Marseille, and Nice, as well as amid a growing movement against cruise tourism.
Despite the protests, tourist arrivals in the leading countries continue to grow. In Spain, the number of tourists increased by 3.4% in the first four months of 2026. According to forecasts, the number of international air passengers in June will grow by 7.1% year-over-year.
In Italy, tourist arrivals are expected to grow by 12%, and in France by 2.6% compared to June 2025.
Average Level of Negative SentimentToward Tourists
Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom form a separate group. According to the study, protests in these countries are localized and do not affect the entire country; however, the issue of tourism’s impact on housing and infrastructure is becoming increasingly prominent.
Moderate pressure is observed in Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and several Scandinavian countries, where the situation is more stable. Tourism is actively developing, but there are very few mass protests or systemic public resistance.
Where Tourists Are More Welcome
At the opposite end of the spectrum are Cyprus and Albania. They are named the most “open” destinations in Europe, with minimal protest activity and weak regulation of tourist flows.
It should be noted that the authors of the study assessed the level of protest activity, media attention to the issue, tourism taxes, and the ratio of tourists to residents in 30 countries.
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