Spain and Greece face overtourism crisis this summer

This summer, tourist hotspots in Spain and Greece are facing significant challenges due to overtourism, leading to protests and drastic measures from locals. In Palma de Majorca, residents expressed their frustration by joining over 50,000 protesters, demanding better management of tourism and public services. The situation has escalated to the point where some local authorities are considering cutting off water supplies to illegal holiday lets, while others resort to using water pistols against tourists. The influx of visitors has been exacerbated by a record-breaking summer heat, with temperatures soaring to 114 degrees Fahrenheit. This has put additional pressure on local resources and infrastructure, as the number of international arrivals in Q2 of 2023 was 6% higher than in 2019. The hospitality sector, while benefiting from tourism, has also seen housing costs rise dramatically, with rents in Barcelona increasing by 68% over the past decade. In Greece, popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos have announced restrictions on cruise ship dockings due to the overwhelming number of tourists. In 2023 alone, cruise ships brought in seven million visitors, a significant rise from the previous year. This surge has raised concerns about the sustainability of tourism in these regions, as locals struggle to cope with the economic and social impacts. As the summer season progresses, there is a growing demand for a more balanced approach to tourism that prioritizes the needs of residents and enhances public services. The situation in both Spain and Greece highlights the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices to protect local communities and their economies.