Anti-tourism activism has made its way to Málaga, where locals are upset over rising rent prices and the impact of mass-tourism on their city. The post-pandemic tourism boom has distorted the rental market and caused gentrification in the city centre. Last weekend, 15,000 people marched in protest under the slogan ‘Málaga for living, not surviving’, demanding affordable housing and pushing back against the influx of tourists. The activism in Málaga follows similar protests in other parts of Spain, with concerns about the effects of tourism on local communities becoming more widespread.
Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Spain in the coming years, with over 90 million international visitors projected to arrive by 2024. The traditional model of short-term hotel stays has shifted, with Málaga now functioning as a resort destination itself rather than just a gateway to the Costa del Sol. The rise of Airbnbs and a decrease in available hotels has led to tourists staying in residential properties, driving up rent prices and making it harder for locals to afford living in the city. The increase in remote workers moving to Spain for its affordability has also contributed to the strain on housing availability.
The Málaga Tenants’ Union organized the recent protest, calling for rent price regulation and a ban on tourist properties in an effort to protect locals’ access to decent housing. The explosion of tourist rental flats in Málaga, with over 12,000 properties registered in 2024 compared to just 846 in 2016, has led to concerns about the city’s future livability for residents. The concentration of tourist accommodation in the city centre has pushed out local businesses and led to a sense among residents that their city is becoming a tourist-focused theme park rather than a place where they can live and thrive.
Government intervention is seen as necessary to address the overtourism issues facing Málaga. While local authorities have taken some steps to limit new tourist rental licences, many feel that more comprehensive regulation is needed to ensure that locals can continue to afford living in the city. Calls for state, regional, and local authorities to work together on price regulation and banning tourist rentals are growing, with many hoping that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will step in to address the issue. There is a recognition that the tourism industry must be better managed to prevent further negative impacts on local communities.
The backlash against mass-tourism in Málaga is fueled not just by economic concerns about rising rent prices, but also by a desire to protect the city’s cultural identity and community spirit. Locals feel that the influx of tourists has eroded the traditional businesses and festivals that once defined the city, replacing them with tourist-centric spectacles and globalized establishments. The fear is that if unchecked, the city will lose its authentic character and become a generic ‘theme park’ catering solely to tourists. There is a call for a balance to be struck between tourism and preserving the unique charm and heritage of Málaga for its residents.
As anti-tourism activism grows in Málaga and other parts of Spain, there is a hope that government intervention will help address the root causes of the issue. The need for broader reform that spans multiple levels of government is acknowledged, with a focus on protecting locals’ access to affordable housing and preserving the cultural integrity of cities like Málaga. While the tourism industry is an important economic driver for Spain, the negative impacts on local communities must be mitigated to ensure a sustainable future for both residents and visitors. By working together and implementing effective regulations, it is possible to create a more balanced and equitable tourism model that benefits everyone involved.