In Spain, rental car tires were intentionally damaged in a recent protest against tourism. Mayor Manolo Galán of Artà expressed concern over the anti-tourist incidents affecting the town, a popular destination for its tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty. Acts of vandalism, including graffiti and slashed tires on rental cars, have targeted Artà, with slogans like ‘Tourists go home’ appearing on walls and roads leading to Palma.
The local Civil Guard has been informed about the rental car vandalism incident, impacting multiple vehicles. Mayor Galán denounced these acts of vandalism, emphasizing that while saturation may be an issue, such actions cannot be tolerated as a means of expression. Anti-tourism protests have been escalating in Spain post the reopening of travel after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spain witnessed a surge in international visitors, with 11.3 million tourists in August, marking a 2.9% increase from the same period in 2024. The influx continued in July with a record-breaking 11 million foreign arrivals, a 1.6% rise year-on-year. The total number of tourists visiting Spain in August and July combined exceeded the figures from the previous year.
To address the impact of tourism on local residents, the Spanish government removed 53,000 tourist flats from the Register of Tourist and Seasonal Rentals, converting them into permanent residential units. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighted the move as a step to provide affordable housing for young people and families. Local authorities have implemented stricter regulations, such as controlling drinking and party boats in the Balearic Islands and planning to phase out short-term tourist apartments in Barcelona by 2028, redirecting properties to the long-term rental market.
