Overview

• UK holidaymakers are increasingly concerned about safety and welcome in Spain following anti-tourism protests in key destinations like Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
• Protests highlight local frustrations with housing shortages, rising living costs, and environmental strain, with demonstrators calling for restrictions on overtourism.
• Unlicensed short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb are widely blamed for exacerbating housing pressures, prompting calls for stricter regulations and heavy fines.
• Spain has introduced legislation targeting short-term rentals, regional tourism taxes, and destination management strategies to address these issues and reassure tourists.
• Tourism remains critical to Spain’s economy, accounting for over 12% of GDP, with officials emphasizing the country’s continued commitment to welcoming visitors.