Mexico's president calls march against mass tourism 'xenophobic.' Critics blame government failures
Briefly

Protests erupted in Mexico City against gentrification and mass tourism, driven by government policies to attract digital nomads. Activists express frustration over rising rents and how residents feel priced out of neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned xenophobic sentiments during the protests, which included violent acts from some demonstrators. Her 2022 pact with Airbnb and UNESCO aimed to boost tourism, worsening local discontent. The situation reflects growing tensions as the city faces influxes of foreigners since 2020, largely from Americans seeking remote work opportunities.
The criticism comes after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum alleged that Friday's protest was marked by xenophobia, reviving a debate over an influx of Americans in the city.
Many Mexicans say they've been priced out of their neighborhoods - in part because of a move made by Sheinbaum in 2022, when she was the Mexico City mayor and signed an agreement with Airbnb and UNESCO.
A largely peaceful protest of hundreds of demonstrators marched through tourism centers of the city with signs reading 'Gringo: Stop stealing our home' and 'Housing regulations now!'.
The frustrations were built upon years of mass tourism and rising rent prices in large swathes of the city, particularly in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa.
Read at AP News
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