Coordinated demonstrations against tourism expansion are scheduled for 15th June, 2025, in multiple European cities.
Mob Up against Tourism Overload: European Protests on June 15, 2025
Get ready for a wave of resistance as mass anti-tourism demonstrations are scheduled to take place across Europe, turning the clock to Sunday, 15th of June, 2025. This unprecedented event, dubbed a "co-ordinated uprising" by Travel and Tour World (TTW), seeks to revolutionize the tourism landscape in the continent.
Traditional tourist hotspots, such as the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, and Italy, will witness supporters from 60 diverse groups joining forces as the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification (SET Network). The network's mission? To dismantle the status quo and encourage participants to disrupt the usual tourist rhythm. Participation isn't limited to the region; northern allies in the Netherlands and the UK are also expected to join the movement.
Water Wars: Resistance in Barcelona
Speaking at a press conference in Barcelona, Daniel Pardo Rivacoba, a member of the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourism Degrowth, candidly announced plans to weaponize water pistols as a "popular symbol of resistance against the plundering of the tourism monoculture." The Barcelona protest is set to kick off at midday on the 15th, gathering at Jardinets de Graça - a nearly century-old, tree-lined boulevard adorned with fountains and statues.
While Pardo emphasized opposition to "touristification" or prioritizing tourism over everything else, Anna Mundet from Ecologists in Action took a different approach, focusing on the environmental consequences of tourism. She cited UN data showing that tourism delivers a staggering 9% of global emissions and urged authorities to step in immediately to reduce the most damaging economic activities for the biosphere.
Spain reported an all-time high in tourist arrivals in 2024 and has been engulfed in local strife concerning resource allocation, overcrowding, escalating living costs, and rampant housing shortages allegedly triggered by the proliferation of short-term rentals. Protests are anticipated not only in Barcelona but also across the rest of Spanish territory, from Ibiza, Minorca, and Palma de Mallorca to Tenerife and Lanzarote, as well as Granada, the Pyrenees, Santander, Bilbao, and San Sebastián.
"We're not out to hate tourists - we're saving our communities," proclaimed an anonymous Dutch source, underscoring the peaceful nature of the protests. Activists from Portugal, Greece, Venice, Amsterdam, and even Lisbon have pledged their involvement in the movement.
Be prepared, travelers!
Authorities have warned tourists about potential disruptions and advised them to be vigilant about travel updates and delays. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs even issued a warning stating that public gatherings can occur with little or no warning and advised citizens to be ready to adjust travel plans on short notice.
"We suggest steering clear of demonstrations and adhering to local authorities' advice," explained an official spokesperson, adding that protests could cause disruptions to transportation and services.
Stay tuned for further updates on this momentous day, which promises to be a game-changer for the tourism industry in Europe!
[1] Venice protesters demand action against tourism (Euronews, 2024)
[2] Barcelona attacks touristification protests with water pistols (The Local, 2025)
[3] Protests across Europe aim to save cities from the tourism crush (EU Today, 2025)
- The upcoming coordinated uprising on June 15, 2025, aims to transform the tourism landscape across Europe, targeting tourist hotspots like the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, Italy, and more.
- adamantly opposing the prioritization of tourism over everything else, activists plan to disrupt the usual tourist rhythm as part of the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification (SET Network).
- In Barcelona, members of the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourism Degrowth are set to wield water pistols as a symbol of resistance against the plundering of the tourism monoculture.
- Anna Mundet from Ecologists in Action emphasizes the environmental consequences of tourism, citing UN data that shows tourism contributes to 9% of global emissions.
- With Spain grappling with local strife over resource allocation, overcrowding, and housing shortages, protests are predicted not only in Barcelona but also in various destinations like Ibiza, Minorca, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and others.
- Despite the intentions to save their communities, protest organizers assure that the demonstrations will be peaceful and welcome tourist participation.
- Travelers are warned to stay updated on potential disruptions and advisories, as protests could lead to transportation and service disruptions across Europe on June 15, 2025.
- The global scientific community, including environmental-science and climate-change experts, will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the political ramifications and potential impact on tourism and general-news outlets as the European protests unfold on June 15, 2025.
