Barcelona City Beach, a popular destination for tourists in Spain. Picture: Unsplash
The impact of over-tourism is in the spotlight following mass protests against tourists in Spain.
Spanish citizens have been taking to the streets telling tourists to go home in popular tourism cities, including Barcelona, Mallorca and the Canary Islands.
The country attracted 85 million visitors in 2023 and residents are complaining that tourism in the country has contributed to soaring housing costs, making living in these cities unaffordable.
The protests comes during peak travel season in Europe and with the continent experiencing summer, destinations like Barcelona attract many visitors with its beautiful beaches and temperate climate.
@dylan.page What do you guys think about this??🤔😳
♬ original sound - Dylan Page
Popular content creator, @dylan.page, posted a video on TikTok, “Tourists NOT Welcome In Spain”, discussing the impact of over-tourism in countries around the world.
This is what netizens from South Africa and around the globe had to say.
@thokozilesa said: “Need this in South Africa 🙏🏽 housing is too expensive.”
Another user, @tumigabuza, also said: “Need this in South Africa 🙏🏽 housing is too expensive.”
@pkat423 said: “I don't think it's the tourist's fault though. they aren't the ones buying up all the property. they are just trying to visit. they should be mad at the corporations buying everything.”
Another user @notbojko said: “its not tourism itself thats the problem its that tourists should learn to respect the country theyre visiting and the local citizens, after all they are guests.”
Whilst @chelseykimbadenhorst said: “South Africa too. Foreigners are coming and staying, with no plans to leave and they’re causing issues with cost of housing as landlords would rather take short-term rentals with higher payers than.”