European hot spots dig in against tourism
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Residents of European travel hotspots are rallying against the effects of overtourism for the second consecutive summer.
Why it matters: Protesters say post-COVID tourism booms, which don't show signs of slowing down, are increasing costs and pushing locals out of their neighborhoods and cities.
- Americans' summer travel to Europe is projected to increase for the fourth consecutive year, per a report from travel insurance company Allianz Partners.
State of play: In the past week, anti-tourism protesters took to the streets in Southern Europe, the Louvre's staff went on strike and Airbnb pointed fingers.
- Locals have taken to spraying tourists with water guns as a form of protest in Lisbon, Barcelona, Venice and other popular European destinations.
- Staff at the Louvre spontaneously went on strike this past Monday to protest unmanageable crowds and chronic understaffing. The work stoppage — which happened without a vote by union membership — shuttered the world's most visited museum for hours.
Between the lines: Locals blame Airbnb for contributing to the problem, reducing housing supply and increasing prices in residential neighborhoods.
- The Spanish government last month called for the removal of nearly 66,000 short-term rental listings on Airbnb.
- Airbnb has placed the blame on hotels, saying they account for 80% of the nights tourists spend in Europe.
Zoom out: People and local governments in popular global destinations have been seen a crush of tourists since the pandemic.
- Last year, Barcelona and Lisbon increased their tourist taxes; Amsterdam launched a "stay away" campaign; and Bhutan implemented daily fees for visitors.
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