Coordinated protests across southern Europe have sparked concerns among ethically conscious tourists about their impact on local communities. In Spain, Italy, and Portugal, many residents blame tourists for issues like housing shortages and overcrowding. The protests highlight a call for a fundamental change in the tourism industry, as locals struggle with rising costs and decreased community engagement. Reports from areas like Lavapies in Madrid illustrate the consequences of gentrification, with local businesses disappearing and housing becoming increasingly unaffordable due to short-term rentals, exacerbated by platforms like Airbnb.
The complicated relationship between those who want to visit the world's most interesting places and those who live in them needs a reset, as tourism overwhelms local communities.
Protests across southern Europe argue for a tourism model overhaul, addressing rising housing costs and environmental harm, while emphasizing the need for local communities to benefit.
Collection
[
|
...
]