Protests in Spain May Escalate Over Mass Tourism Concerns
- UNESCO has warned that protests in Spain related to overtourism may escalate if local interests are not balanced with those of travelers.
- Peter Debrine from UNESCO expressed these concerns during an interview on CNBC's 'Squawk Box Asia.'
- The situation highlights the growing tension between tourism and local communities across European cities.
Protests in Spain are poised to intensify if European officials do not address the adverse impacts of mass tourism on local residents, according to Peter Debrine from UNESCO. Speaking on "Squawk Box Asia," Debrine emphasized the importance of civil society in advocating for change, noting that elected officials must respond to the needs of their constituents. He referenced the successful ban on large cruise ships in Venice, Italy, as a case where public outcry led to significant policy changes, improving the city's environmental and structural integrity. In Venice, the number of cruise ship passengers is projected to rise by 9% this year, reaching approximately 540,000. However, a recent survey conducted by Barcelona's City Council reveals a growing discontent among residents regarding tourism, with fewer people believing it benefits the city. Debrine highlighted the need for cities overwhelmed by tourists to shift their focus from quantity to quality, prioritizing high-spending visitors over mass tourism. Civil groups in Barcelona are advocating for policies aimed at "tourism degrowth," which include increasing tourism taxes, limiting cruise ship access, and imposing restrictions on short-term housing rentals. Debrine also pointed out that travelers have a role in mitigating mass tourism, urging them to make more conscious travel choices. He introduced the idea of "mirror cities," suggesting that destinations similar to Barcelona could benefit from increased tourism without overwhelming local infrastructure.