Tourist Hotspots Across Europe Face Growing Backlash Over Overtourism

Across a string of famed tourist locations, locals are increasingly vocal about the strain caused by mass visitation. In Brittany’s port of Plobannalec-Lesconil, three cars were defaced with anti-tourist graffiti, reflecting resentment over rising housing costs linked to second-home purchases. Mallorca saw multiple demonstrations, including a human chain on S'Arenal de sa Ràpita, organized by groups such as GOB, Terraferida and Menys Turisme Menys Vida, demanding stricter limits on tourism and second homes.

In the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water, a resident survey found over 90 % consider tourists a blight on daily life, with daily visitor numbers sometimes exceeding the local population. Barcelona has responded to resident pressure by increasing its nightly tourist tax to as much as €15, while graffiti labeling the city “Carcelona” appears throughout. Venice continues to grapple with crowding, and Kyoto’s officials note that only specific districts are restricting access. The OECD has highlighted the growing pushback from residents in its recent report.