Hundreds of residents in Alicante marched through the streets this weekend, demanding an end to the disruptive impact of mass tourism on their neighbourhoods. As anti-tourist sentiment grows across Mediterranean cities, locals are calling for urgent reforms to protect their way of life.
Hundreds of residents in Alicante marched through the streets this weekend, demanding an end to the disruptive impact of mass tourism on their neighbourhoods. As anti-tourist sentiment grows across Mediterranean cities, locals are calling for urgent reforms to protect their way of life.
In a bold display of frustration, hundreds of residents in Alicante took to the streets, demanding an end to what they see as the detrimental effects of mass tourism on their neighbourhood’s. The demonstration, the first major event of its kind in the city, highlighted the growing anti-tourist sentiment sweeping across Mediterranean destinations.
Gathering at the central Plaza Toros, the protestors wielded banners and flags emblazoned with messages such as “Leave our neighbourhoods,” “Our home is not the patio of gringos,” and a blunt “F*** Airbnb.” These slogans reflect the anger and desperation of locals who feel that the influx of holidaymakers is driving up housing costs and trapping them in unstable, low-paying jobs in the tourism sector.
The march, which began at 7:30 pm on Calle Calderón de la Barca, concluded at the city’s tourism office amid applause and cheers from the crowd. The atmosphere was charged, with residents blowing whistles, waving flags, and chanting “Alicante is not for sale.” This vocal resistance underscores a broader European trend where locals are pushing back against the overwhelming tide of mass tourism.
Salva, a spokesperson for the organising group ‘Alicante Donde Vas?’, emphasised the unprecedented nature of the protest in Alicante. “As far as we know, a protest of this nature has never been held here before, and we consider it essential to make the conflict visible,” Salva stated. “What is not named does not exist, and it is essential we make it clear that there are many of us residents of Alicante who demand that limits be placed on the tourism industry.”
This protest is part of a series of demonstrations in Spain, following recent unrest in Barcelona where tourists were targeted with water guns while dining on a popular street. Across Europe, local authorities have attempted to address resident concerns by imposing restrictions on disruptive behaviour and even introducing fees for day-trippers. However, many feel that these measures fall short of addressing the root issues.
On July 13, as temperatures soared to 30°C, protestors in Alicante gathered at Plaza Toros square, calling for reforms to manage mass tourism. Posters with slogans like “Alicante is not for sale” appeared across the city, urging limits on tourism. The local police closed streets to accommodate the demonstrators, who voiced their frustrations over tourism’s impact on their neighbourhoods.
Local media captured dramatic scenes as organisers with megaphones led chants, rallying the crowd. In a notable incident, a British tourist waving the St George’s Cross attempted to join the rally with chants of “England, England, England” but was gently redirected by locals.
Salva further articulated the protestors’ stance, asserting that local administrations at all levels must prioritise residents’ needs over those of visitors. “We hope that the demonstration is the first step so that more people feel it is legitimate to claim the right to live with dignity in our city,” Salva said. “We need to build a neighbourhood movement that says Alicante is not for sale.”
Despite understanding that British tourists might feel uncomfortable with the rallies, Salva clarified that the criticism is directed mainly at the tourism industry and institutions. “We are all tourists, or potential tourists. We understand that the discomfort with touristification results in some people showing antipathy or rejection towards tourists.”
The fatigue and stress from dealing with the downsides of mass tourism are palpable. Many locals struggle with skyrocketing rental prices, poor working conditions, and the disruption caused by tourist accommodations in residential areas. This discontent fuels hostile reactions toward tourists, as seen in the recent protests.
As the protest unfolded, homeless individuals navigated the city in the heat, searching for food and resting on closed business steps. Meanwhile, construction workers continued renovating a tower block marked ‘Tourist Apartments’ in preparation for the summer influx.
Salva concluded by urging everyone, including potential tourists, to reflect on their leisure and consumption practices. “We need to rethink whether it is ethical to stay in Airbnb, for example. Breaking the taboo on tourism, which is always sold to us as something that only brings good things, is an achievement.”
The rise of tourist apartments and short-term rentals has doubled rental prices in just five years, displacing local populations and traditional businesses. Since their first meeting in March, the ‘Alicante Donde Vas?’ group has garnered significant support, echoing similar movements across Spain and Europe.
As Alicante’s residents continue their struggle against mass tourism, the hope is that their efforts will lead to meaningful changes that prioritise the well-being of locals over the profits of the tourism industry.
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