In June 2025, major cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Naples witnessed substantial demonstrations by residents advocating for an end to what they term “touristification.” This surge in activism highlights the growing tension between locals and holidaymakers, driven by the rapid expansion of mass tourism. According to Sandra Carvão, a prominent tourism expert from the UN, the rise in international travel is attributed to increased disposable income among the middle classes, greater air travel accessibility, and improved border facilities. Notably, the number of global tourist arrivals escalated from 416 million in 2005 to over 747 million in 2024, reflecting an significant impact on regions traditionally reliant on tourism.
This rise in tourist numbers has brought both economic advantages and challenges. In particular, tourism is vital for job creation and economic growth, with over 50% of tourism jobs held by women and a substantial majority of businesses being small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For instance, in 2023, Spain garnered €80 billion from international tourists, while France and Italy followed with €61 billion and €47 billion, respectively. Although the economic benefits are apparent, these gains often come at a steep cost to local communities, leading to congestion, overwhelmed infrastructure, and rising living expenses.
The adverse effects of mass tourism are particularly evident in the housing market. The influx of tourists has contributed to inflated property prices, making it increasingly difficult for locals to secure affordable housing. Between 2015 and 2023, the average property prices in the EU surged by 48%, with countries like Portugal and Spain facing particularly severe hikes. For example, property costs in Portugal rose by 105.8%, exacerbating the woes of residents in popular tourist cities. In addition to tourism, rising construction costs and intensified rental investments have further complicated the housing landscape in these urban areas.
In response to these challenges, some municipalities have begun to take decisive action. Cities like Amsterdam have implemented bans on new hotel constructions, while Dubrovnik has placed limitations on the daily docking of cruise ships. Such measures reflect a growing recognition that successful tourist destinations must manage their carrying capacity effectively. Carvão emphasizes the importance of the tourism sector itself in defining these limits while leveraging new technologies to gather data and optimize resource management.
Moreover, diversifying tourist demand throughout the year can alleviate stress on local infrastructure. By encouraging year-round travel, cities can reduce congestion and enhance sustainability. Additionally, there is an increasing call for tourists to choose off-the-beaten-path destinations to help distribute visitor numbers more evenly. Currently, a staggering 42% of global tourists are concentrated in just ten countries, exacerbating the pressures faced by these areas.
As cities grapple with the dual-edged sword of tourism—balancing economic benefits against community welfare—local and international stakeholders must collaborate. Sustainable practices, thoughtful policy-making, and responsible tourism behavior are imperative to ensure that the rich cultural fabric of these cities remains intact while benefiting from the financial influx that tourism can provide.
