If you are an LGBTQ woman or a member of the LGBTQ community planning a trip to any Spanish city, this article will be of interest to you. We aim to explain as clearly as possible what is happening with tourism in Spain so you understand that you are welcome here.
Spain, a country globally recognized for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, rich cuisine, and the hospitality of its citizens, is currently facing growing social discontent related to tourism. While this sector is essential for the Spanish economy, generating jobs and energizing various industries, its impact on the daily lives of residents has raised several concerns. This discontent is not directed at tourists themselves, but rather a call to action for governments to develop more sustainable plans that are aligned with the current environmental impact and climate change realities.
Citizen Perspective
To better understand the situation, it is important to listen to the citizens’ voices.
Concerns
- Overcrowding: Mass tourism, especially during peak seasons, congests cities, beaches, and other public spaces, affecting residents’ quality of life. While tourists are visiting the city, locals are living and working, and the daily hustle becomes stressful with increased traffic, tourist buses, and people blocking sidewalks. This also includes tourists who go out at night, get drunk, and cause noise and disturbances in neighborhoods.
- Rising Prices: The increased demand from tourism impacts housing, rental, transportation, and other goods and services prices, making them less accessible for residents. This reality is leading to massive rentals of apartments through both legal and illegal platforms at high prices. More apartments dedicated to tourist rentals mean fewer options for residential rentals.
- Environmental Impact: Mass tourism can negatively affect the environment, such as waste generation, excessive water consumption, and pollution. Cities are equipped for recycling with color-coded bins, but there are not enough containers for the extra waste generated during peak tourist seasons, necessitating more bins.
- Loss of Cultural Identity: Some citizens perceive that the massive influx of tourists can dilute or trivialize local traditions and customs. Not everything is acceptable to please tourists. For example, the proliferation of fast-food chains at the expense of family-owned and local restaurants with years of history that are forced to close.
Demands
It is important to highlight that citizens are not against tourism itself. What they seek is more responsible, sustainable, and respectful tourism that enhances residents’ quality of life. They call for updated tourism regulations from local and national governments.
- Sustainable Tourism: A tourism model that manages resources responsibly, minimizes environmental impact, and generates long-term benefits for local communities.
- Fair Distribution: Better distribution of tourist flows, avoiding concentration in certain areas and promoting tourism in less crowded regions.
- Dialogue and Participation: Greater citizen participation in tourism-related decision-making in their localities, seeking a more consensual model that addresses their needs.
- Tangible Benefits: Ensuring tourism benefits are more equitably distributed among the local population, creating employment and investment opportunities in communities.
Friendly reminder
Respect Public Spaces: Don't block sidewalks or occupy areas designated for residents. Walk on the right side and keep your voice at a reasonable volume in public areas.
Support Local Businesses: Shop at local stores and markets, dine at family-owned restaurants, and use services provided by residents. This helps strengthen the local economy.
Be Considerate of Residents: Respect the tranquility of neighborhoods, especially at night. Avoid noisy or disruptive behavior that might disturb the locals.
Examples of Mobilizations
In various Spanish cities, there have been citizen protests and demonstrations expressing discontent with mass tourism.
- Canary Islands: In April 2024, thousands of people protested in the Canary Islands under the slogan “Canary Islands have a limit,” demanding measures to control tourism and protect the environment.
- Barcelona: The Catalan capital is an emblematic example of mass tourism’s impact. Various citizen initiatives seek a more sustainable and respectful tourism model.
- Madrid: In May 2024, hundreds of people protested in the Spanish capital under the slogan “Madrid is not for sale,” demanding measures to regulate tourism, lower housing prices, and improve residents’ quality of life. In June 2024, residents of central neighborhoods like Lavapiés and Malasaña protested against the noise and litter caused by uncontrolled tourism.
- Mallorca: In May 2024, about 10,000 people protested in Palma under the slogan “Mallorca is not for sale. Let’s say enough,” denouncing the negative impact of tourism on the island, such as housing shortages, rising prices, and environmental degradation. There are new calls for protests on July 21 and 25 to maintain pressure on authorities and demand changes to the island’s tourism model.
It is important to note that these mobilizations do not seek to eliminate tourism but to transform it into a more responsible, sustainable, and beneficial model for all.
While discontent with mass tourism in Spain has led to various citizen protests and demonstrations, there have been no records of violent incidents or direct attacks on tourists in Spanish cities. The protests have been characterized by their peaceful nature, with activities such as rallies, marches, and awareness campaigns.
The main goal of these actions is to highlight residents’ dissatisfaction with the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as urban congestion, price increases, environmental degradation, and the loss of cultural identity.
However, there have been some instances of tension or discomfort between residents and tourists
- Protest Acts: In some cases, symbolic actions such as graffiti or posters against mass tourism have been carried out in tourist areas.
- Isolated Arguments: There have been isolated cases of verbal confrontations between residents and tourists, generally related to noise, occupation of public spaces, or uncivil behavior.
It is important to emphasize that these cases are isolated and do not represent the general tone of relations between residents and tourists in Spain. Most tourists are welcomed with kindness and respect by the local population. Spanish authorities have called for peaceful coexistence and dialogue between residents and tourists to find joint solutions that allow for more sustainable and beneficial tourism for everyone. EXCELTUR, a non-profit association formed by 30 of the most prominent companies in the entire tourism value chain, has also called on industry leaders to address tourism development with new planning, governance, and management criteria.
The citizens’ discontent with tourism in Spain is a complex issue that requires open dialogue and creative solutions. It is crucial to listen to residents’ concerns and work together to find a more sustainable, responsible, and beneficial tourism model for all. A tourism model that values Spain’s cultural and natural wealth but also respects the well-being of the communities that inhabit it.
LGBTQ women travelers, we hope this article has helped you understand the current reality in Spain better. If you have any questions or seek a more authentic and respectful travel experience, LESMON offers organized trips to Barcelona with small groups. You can enjoy the group and have time to explore the city at your own pace. We always provide advice and recommendations for less touristy places that locals love to visit, offering a more genuine and less crowded experience. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you discover Spain uniquely and responsibly!
DID YOU KNOW
In Mallorca, residents have WhatsApp groups among friends and family to coordinate parking space usage.
In Ibiza, some teachers from the mainland who have obtained positions on the island have had to live in motorhomes due to the lack of rental apartments, only finding tourist options.