Now, Mexico Joins Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Greece, Croatia, and More in Global Protest Wave Against Overtourism, Warning That Mass Travel and Short-Term Rentals Are Driving Locals Out – Travel And Tour World

Now Mexico has joined Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Greece, Croatia, and more in a global protest wave against overtourism because locals across these countries say mass travel and short-term rentals are driving them out of their own homes, inflating rents, and eroding the cultural fabric of their cities. From violent street protests in Mexico City to creative resistance in Barcelona and cruise restrictions in France, each country is sounding the alarm in its own way—demanding sustainable solutions as tourist arrivals surge past pre-pandemic levels and the balance between local life and global travel reaches a breaking point.

Mexico City Erupts as Locals Say They’ve Had Enough of ‘Gringo Gentrification’

Mexico is now firmly in the global spotlight—not just for its booming visitor numbers, but for the backlash it has sparked at home. On July 4, 2025, Mexico City became the epicenter of a dramatic protest against overtourism and unchecked gentrification. What began as a peaceful daytime demonstration quickly turned into a volatile standoff by night, with storefronts smashed, anti-tourist graffiti sprayed across glass panels, and tensions boiling over in the capital’s most touristic neighborhoods.

The march started in Roma and Condesa—two leafy, café-lined districts that have transformed over the last few years into havens for remote workers, short-term renters, and foreign investors. These areas, once prized for their bohemian charm and sense of community, have become symbols of the housing crisis now gripping the city. Longtime residents are being priced out as apartment buildings are flipped into boutique rentals, rents skyrocket, and traditional businesses give way to trendy eateries aimed at tourists.

Protesters walked through the streets holding signs that read “Gringos, stop stealing our home” and “Regulate tourism now.” The demonstration made its way through metro stations, then surged toward the U.S. Embassy, where authorities responded by deploying police reinforcements. That night, a smaller group splintered off, shattering windows, looting stores, and directly confronting some foreign visitors in the area. Spray-painted messages like “Get out of Mexico” left little room for interpretation.

But this anger didn’t erupt in a vacuum. It has been building for years, fueled by a relentless surge in international arrivals and the rise of digital nomads. In 2024, Mexico welcomed a staggering 45 million international tourists, marking a 7.4% increase year-over-year—a figure that officially pushed the country past its pre-pandemic visitor levels. Much of this growth came from the United States, Canada, and Argentina, whose citizens make up a significant portion of inbound travelers. And in early 2025, the trend continued: air arrivals alone grew by 3.5% in the first quarter, putting even more pressure on local infrastructure, housing, and everyday life.

While tourism remains a cornerstone of Mexico’s economy, the benefits have not been evenly distributed. Residents of Mexico City are increasingly finding themselves priced out of their own neighborhoods. Rents in central districts have doubled or even tripled in some cases, largely due to the dominance of short-term rentals and foreign purchasing power. What was once an affordable city for locals has, in many cases, become a luxury destination for foreigners—and that has left many Mexicans feeling dispossessed.

This latest protest, though sparked by the capital’s housing crisis, is part of a much larger, global wave. Around the world, cities are rising up against the pressures of mass tourism, and now, Mexico has joined that chorus. The message from the streets of Mexico City was loud and clear: without urgent reforms, the very soul of the city—and the people who built it—will be pushed out in favor of short-term profit.

Mexico – Mexico City, Oaxaca, Cancún

Mexico City

• Explore the historic center including the Zócalo, National Palace, and Metropolitan Cathedral
• Visit Chapultepec Park, home to Chapultepec Castle and several world-class museums
• Discover the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán and float along the Xochimilco canals

Oaxaca

• Wander through the colorful colonial streets and markets of Oaxaca City
• Visit Monte Albán, a pre-Columbian archaeological site overlooking the valley
• Enjoy local cuisine such as mole and tlayudas at Mercado 20 de Noviembre

Cancún

• Relax on the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Hotel Zone
• Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres or the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itzá
• Snorkel or dive in the underwater museum (MUSA) or nearby cenotes

Spain’s Tourism Boom Sparks Nationwide Uprising as Locals Push Back on Airbnb and Cruise Crowds

Spain may be one of Europe’s most visited countries, but in 2025, it has also become one of the loudest in its revolt against overtourism. From beach resorts to bustling urban centers, Spaniards are standing up, taking to the streets, and demanding that their cities be reclaimed from what they describe as the takeover of short-term rentals, cruise ship swarms, and rent hikes that have turned daily life into a battle for space.

The protest wave reached a fever pitch on June 15, 2025, when residents in more than a dozen cities participated in a massive, coordinated demonstration across the country. Organized as part of a broader Southern European movement, the Spanish protests were among the most intense. In Barcelona, thousands gathered at Jardinets de Gràcia, then marched through popular areas flooded with tourists. Armed with water pistols, stickers, banners, and raw frustration, they sprayed at visitors, symbolically pushing them back. Some blocked restaurant entrances. Others chanted “Tourists go home” and taped up signs that read “Your Airbnb was my home.”

But Barcelona wasn’t alone. Protests erupted simultaneously in Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, San Sebastián, Valencia, Granada, Menorca, Tenerife, Málaga, Bilbao, Sevilla, and Cantabria. In Palma, demonstrators staged theatrical displays, guiding tourists to fake “dangerous beaches” in a creative act of protest. In Ibiza, banners and bullhorns confronted beachgoers and party crowds. Across the country, a single message rang clear: tourism has crossed the line, and residents are no longer willing to stay silent.

Spain Protest Highlights: June 15, 2025

• Organized by: “Southern Europe Against Touristification” network
• Main slogans: “Tourists go home,” “Mass tourism kills the city,” “Your Airbnb was my home”
• Tactics used:
  • Spraying tourists with water pistols
  • Blocking restaurant entrances
  • Posting anti-Airbnb stickers and banners
  • Redirecting visitors to fake dangerous beaches (Mallorca)
• Cities involved:
  • Barcelona
  • Palma de Mallorca
  • Ibiza
  • San Sebastián (Donostia)
  • Valencia
  • Granada
  • Menorca
  • Canary Islands (Tenerife)
  • Málaga
  • Bilbao
  • Sevilla
  • Cantabria

Earlier Protest Events:

• July 6, 2024 – Barcelona: Tourists sprayed with water pistols along Las Ramblas
• April 2025 – Barcelona: Tour buses blocked at the Sagrada Família
• March 2025 – Mallorca: Open letter issued urging tourists not to visit
• April 2025 – Spain-wide: Strategy workshops held to plan June protests

All of this comes against the backdrop of a tourism industry that continues to grow at breakneck speed. Between January and May 2025, Spain welcomed more than 35 million international visitors, a 5.5% increase compared to the same period the previous year. In May alone, arrivals hit 9.4 million, and in the first quarter of 2025, 17.1 million travelers poured into the country—up 5.7% year-over-year. These numbers follow a record-setting 2024, which closed with an estimated 94 million visitors, officially placing Spain among the top global tourism destinations.

But with growth has come disruption. Entire neighborhoods, especially in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, have been transformed into hubs for short-stay rentals and cruise arrivals. Local shops have shuttered to make room for global chains and souvenir stands. Rents have surged far beyond what locals can afford, particularly in areas like El Raval, Gràcia, and Barceloneta. Some residents now live surrounded by Airbnb units, rotating crowds, and round-the-clock noise.

For many Spaniards, the crisis isn’t just about economics—it’s about losing their way of life. They see their neighborhoods morphing into transient zones for outsiders, while the residents who built these communities are being priced out or pushed to the margins. Though tourism has long been central to Spain’s economy, many now say it’s time for limits—regulations that protect the people who live, work, and raise families in these cities.

Spain’s protest movement may have started in pockets, but by mid-2025, it had grown into a national voice. And that voice is calling not for the end of tourism—but for a version that coexists with local life, instead of overwhelming it.

Spain – Barcelona, Madrid, Seville

Barcelona

• Visit the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí
• Walk through the Gothic Quarter and enjoy fresh food at La Boqueria Market
• Relax at Barceloneta Beach or take a cable car up to Montjuïc Hill

Madrid

• Tour the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Retiro Park
• Experience local culture in neighborhoods like Malasaña and La Latina
• Watch a flamenco show and try tapas in traditional taverns

Seville

• Explore the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower
• Stroll through the Barrio Santa Cruz and along the Guadalquivir River
• Watch a live flamenco performance and visit Plaza de España

Italy’s Charm Meets Resistance as Protesters Push Back on Mass Tourism and Cultural Exploitation

Italy, the land of Renaissance masterpieces and postcard-perfect coastlines, has long been a dream destination. But in 2025, locals across the country have begun pushing back, declaring that the romance of tourism has turned into an everyday struggle. From Venice’s fragile canals to the crowded streets of Milan and Naples, Italians are demanding change—and they’re taking their message to the streets.

On June 15, 2025, Italy joined a coordinated wave of anti-tourism protests that swept across Southern Europe. Marches erupted in Venice, Genoa, Palermo, Milan, and Naples, uniting communities around one powerful message: enough is enough. For years, Italy has been navigating a love-hate relationship with tourism, but this time, the protests carried a new urgency.

In Venice, the demonstration wasn’t just symbolic—it had teeth. Protesters flooded popular walkways and canalside promenades, waving signs denouncing overcrowding, short-term rentals, and the endless stream of cruise ships that now dominate the lagoon. The mood was already tense after the city’s recent controversial handling of ultra-rich wedding guests, including the now-famous protests that forced the relocation of Jeff Bezos’s celebration in June. This time, though, the discontent was louder and more unified.

Meanwhile, in Milan, locals marched through gentrified neighborhoods, where global retailers and upscale rentals have replaced long-standing community businesses. Palermo, Genoa, and Naples joined the charge as well, with citizens condemning tourism’s role in pricing out locals, displacing cultural spaces, and overloading infrastructure never built to handle millions of visitors each season.

Italy Protest Highlights: June 15, 2025

• Cities involved:
  • Venice
  • Genoa
  • Palermo
  • Milan
  • Naples
• Tactics used:
  • Street marches in historic centers
  • Signs demanding regulation of short-term rentals
  • Anti-cruise ship banners along coastal routes
  • Protests against tourist-driven gentrification
• Context:
  • Venice’s image as a city “sold to the highest bidder” was spotlighted
  • Recent outrage over luxury tourism events (e.g., Bezos wedding protests) intensified calls for reform

All of this is happening as Italy continues to ride a wave of tourism growth. In 2024, the country recorded 68.5 million tourist arrivals, a significant leap from 61.3 million in 2023. Between January and August 2024 alone, 48.9 million tourists poured in, with April 2025 alone seeing 5.9 million arrivals. By May 2025, Italy had already ranked as the 5th most-visited country in the world, nearing 65 million annual visitors, with more expected during peak summer.

But those numbers, while celebrated by tourism officials, tell a very different story on the ground. In cities like Venice, locals are being forced out of their homes to make way for vacation rentals and short-stay units. Housing affordability has cratered in Florence, Rome, and Bologna. In Naples, the city’s character is shifting under the weight of budget airline drop-ins and Instagram-driven foot traffic. The same crowds that help boost revenue have also stretched public services thin and diluted local traditions into tourist performances.

For many Italians, the protests aren’t about rejecting tourism altogether. They’re about protecting the soul of their communities—before it’s packaged, commodified, and sold back to them. Residents say they want regulation, not eradication: rules to curb short-term rentals, manage cruise ship traffic, and ensure that tourism doesn’t overwhelm daily life.

Italy’s decision to join this year’s coordinated anti-tourism movement marks a turning point. Long seen as one of the most iconic destinations on Earth, the country is now also a symbol of how tourism—when left unchecked—can distort the very thing that makes a place worth visiting.

Italy – Rome, Venice, Florence

Rome

• Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City including the Sistine Chapel
• Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and climb the Spanish Steps
• Dine in Trastevere and explore hidden piazzas

Venice

• Take a gondola ride through the canals and visit St. Mark’s Basilica
• Explore the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge
• Discover Murano and Burano islands by vaporetto

Florence

• Admire Renaissance art at the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries
• Climb to the top of Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and walk across Ponte Vecchio
• Visit the Boboli Gardens and enjoy Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias

Portugal Fights Back as Lisbon Leads the Charge Against Airbnb Takeover and Tourist Crowds

Portugal may have become one of Europe’s hottest travel destinations over the past decade, but now it’s also one of the loudest voices demanding a course correction. In the capital city of Lisbon, residents are saying “basta” to runaway tourism that’s pricing them out, hollowing out neighborhoods, and transforming their homes into short-term rental empires.

On June 15, 2025, Portugal joined a sweeping wave of coordinated anti-tourism protests across Southern Europe. While the protests in Spain and Italy made headlines with their scale, the Lisbon demonstration brought the same energy—and the same sense of urgency. Protesters gathered in the city center, wielding banners denouncing overtourism, rent spikes, and the destruction of authentic community life. The march wasn’t just symbolic—it was a direct confrontation with the forces reshaping Portugal’s cities.

Organizers and residents used the day to voice anger over how Airbnb and other platforms have consumed entire neighborhoods, turning residential blocks into revolving doors for tourists. In the historic Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, locals say they now live among suitcase wheels, party noise, and rising rents instead of neighbors and family. Some homes have been turned into ghost buildings—occupied five nights a week but owned by foreign investors who never show up.

Portugal Protest Highlights: June 15, 2025

• City involved:
  • Lisbon (primary protest location)
• Tactics used:
  • Mass marches through central neighborhoods
  • Demonstrators displayed “Airbnb Out!” and “Lisbon is Not for Sale” banners
  • Protesters distributed flyers and mock eviction notices to raise awareness
  • Effigies and visual props depicted displaced families and disappearing communities
• Core demands:
  • Stricter regulations on short-term rentals
  • Caps on cruise ship arrivals
  • Affordable housing policies for locals

The protests echoed earlier rumblings from 2024, when communities began organizing around the idea that Portugal’s housing crisis and overtourism problem were deeply connected. Lisbon, Porto, and even smaller cities like Faro have seen soaring property prices, in part due to real estate speculation and tourism-driven development.

And the visitor numbers back it up. In 2024, Portugal recorded 31.6 million guests, including 19.4 million international travelers—a 6.3% increase from the previous year. The country also logged approximately 78 million overnight stays between January and October 2024 alone. That trend has continued steadily into 2025, with an estimated 5% increase in visitor arrivals already reported.

While Portugal’s economy has certainly benefited from this rise, many locals feel they’ve been pushed aside in the name of profit. In neighborhoods once known for fado music echoing through alleyways, residents now complain that silence is bought by investors and sold nightly to the highest bidder. Traditional cafés have made way for brunch spots and souvenir shops, and cultural authenticity has increasingly become a tourism product, rather than a lived experience.

For many, Lisbon’s protest wasn’t just about numbers—it was about reclaiming identity. People took to the streets to assert their right to stay in their own city. They demanded that Portugal not just welcome tourists, but also protect the people and places that made it beautiful in the first place.

By joining the June 15 movement, Portugal made it clear: it’s time to hit pause, rethink priorities, and strike a better balance between welcoming the world and keeping home livable.

Portugal – Lisbon, Porto, Faro

Lisbon

• Ride Tram 28 through historic Alfama and Graça districts
• Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and MAAT museum
• Watch the sunset from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and enjoy live fado music

Porto

• Walk along the Ribeira waterfront and cross the Dom Luís I Bridge
• Sample port wine at cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
• Explore Livraria Lello and Clérigos Tower

Faro

• Wander the Old Town (Cidade Velha) and visit the Arco da Vila
• Take a boat tour through the Ria Formosa Natural Park
• Relax on nearby beaches like Praia de Faro or Ilha Deserta

France Draws the Line with Cruise Limits and Cultural Worker Strikes Amid Overtourism Strains

France has long been the world’s most visited country—but in recent years, the welcome mat has come with a warning. While the French haven’t taken to the streets in the same numbers as their Southern European neighbors, the message from cultural institutions and local governments is clear: overtourism is starting to take a toll, and the pressure to act is growing.

Unlike in Spain, Italy, or Portugal, France’s anti-tourism push hasn’t been led by mass marches—it’s been shaped more by policy action and worker-led disruptions. In June 2025, museum staff at the Louvre in Paris staged a sudden strike, shutting down the world’s most visited museum in a bold protest against overcrowding, understaffing, and what they called “inhuman” working conditions. The strike made headlines worldwide and highlighted the tension between cultural preservation and mass tourism revenue.

At the same time, cities along the French Riviera took a different kind of stand. In Cannes, officials introduced sweeping new cruise ship restrictions, announcing that by 2026, vessels carrying more than 1,000–5,000 passengers would no longer be allowed to dock near city shores. Instead, larger ships will be diverted offshore to prevent daily tourist floods from overwhelming the historic port. In Nice, similar caps were introduced, limiting port access to just one cruise ship per day in a bid to ease crowding and pollution.

France Anti-Tourism Response Summary

• Protest style:
  • No mass street protests reported in 2025
  • Worker-led strike at the Louvre Museum highlighted labor and crowding issues
  • Policy-driven response in Riviera cities: Cannes, Nice
• Actions taken:
  • Cannes: Ban on cruise ships over 5,000 passengers by 2026
  • Nice: Port restrictions limit access to one cruise ship per day
  • Government supported planning workshops with protest organizers from Spain and Italy
• Key concerns:
  • Cultural site overcrowding
  • Strain on public services and worker conditions
  • Displacement of local businesses in city centers

Despite these concerns, France remains a tourism giant. In 2024, the country welcomed between 100 and 101 million international visitors, a modest increase over 2023 figures. Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) suggests that around 89.4 million of those were likely overnight tourists. The gap is explained by day trippers, border-crossing travelers, and cruise guests, many of whom only spend hours in French destinations without contributing meaningfully to the local economy.

While the numbers are impressive, they come at a cost. In cities like Paris, Marseille, Nice, Lyon, and Strasbourg, residents have reported rising rents, crowded transit, and a loss of local identity in once-vibrant neighborhoods. Traditional cafés and bookshops have been replaced with souvenir stores and chain hotels. And in areas such as Montmartre and the Marais, local families are increasingly priced out by investors converting apartments into high-turnover tourist flats.

France’s approach to the overtourism crisis is subtle but firm. Rather than sweeping protests, the country is turning to regulation, labor advocacy, and preservation policies to push back. The recent Louvre strike and port restrictions signal a shift in tone—a reminder that France, while open to the world, is not willing to sacrifice its cultural heritage and community stability for the sake of ever-growing visitor numbers.

In joining the broader conversation—and taking action where it counts—France has made it clear that tourism must be sustainable, respectful, and built to serve both guests and the people who call these cities home.

France – Paris, Nice, Lyon

Paris

• Visit the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Walk along the Seine, through Montmartre, and around Le Marais
• Explore the Palace of Versailles on a day trip

Nice

• Walk the Promenade des Anglais and explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice)
• Visit the Matisse Museum and Castle Hill for panoramic views
• Enjoy fresh seafood and Provençal markets

Lyon

• Discover the historic old town (Vieux Lyon) and climb Fourvière Hill
• Tour the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Roman amphitheaters
• Taste traditional Lyonnaise cuisine in bouchons and explore traboules (secret passages)

Greece Reaches Breaking Point as Locals Demand Relief From Tourist Overload and Labor Strain

In Greece, the golden glow of its islands, ancient ruins, and postcard views continues to lure millions—but beneath the surface, there’s a growing sense that the country’s tourism success is becoming unsustainable. While Greece hasn’t seen massive anti-tourism marches like those in Spain or Mexico, frustration is mounting—especially among the people who power its tourism industry.

In October 2024, Greek tourism workers staged a coordinated protest to spotlight an issue that’s been quietly building for years: burnout. Airport ground crews, hotel staff, and archaeological site employees across Athens, Thessaloniki, and major islands like Santorini and Crete organized walkouts and public demonstrations. Their demands were clear—fair wages, reasonable working hours, and a voice in how the country handles the ever-growing waves of international tourists.

Rather than directing anger at visitors, Greece’s protests have focused inward, targeting government inaction and corporate profit structures that have left tourism workers underpaid and overworked. Protesters handed out flyers at major ports and airports, urging travelers to recognize that the picturesque vacation comes at a cost—borne by the very people who make those experiences possible.

While labor was the face of the protest, the deeper issue remains: overtourism is stretching Greece’s resources to the limit. And the numbers support that concern. In 2024, Greece recorded 40.7 million tourist arrivals, a stunning 12.8% increase from 2023. This boom drove the country’s travel services surplus to over €18.8 billion, but the benefits haven’t been felt equally. For many locals, the surge has meant more traffic, housing shortages in popular destinations, and basic services being overwhelmed during peak season.

Greece Protest Highlights and Tourism Pressure

• Main protest activity:
  • October 2024 – Labor protests by tourism and hospitality workers
• Locations involved:
  • Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes
• Tactics used:
  • Walkouts and organized demonstrations
  • Leaflets distributed to tourists at airports and ports
• Key demands:
  • Higher wages for tourism workers
  • Improved work conditions and hours
  • Regulation to ease pressure on public services
• Underlying issue:
  • Indirect pushback against overtourism’s strain on daily life and local infrastructure

In Santorini, locals have long called for a cap on cruise ship arrivals, as daily landings sometimes exceed 17,000 passengers, flooding narrow streets and ancient paths not designed for such foot traffic. Officials have proposed a soft cap of 8,000 visitors per day, but enforcement remains loose. On other islands, housing for seasonal workers is drying up, as landlords opt for higher-paying short-term guests.

While Greece hasn’t embraced the kind of tourist-targeted protests seen in other countries, its workforce is making its voice heard—and locals are growing more vocal in demanding a better balance between welcoming travelers and preserving the quality of life for residents.

The message from Greece is clear: the country remains proud of its role as a global tourism leader, but it cannot continue at this pace without burning out the very people and places that make it special. Unless tourism becomes more sustainable, the birthplace of hospitality may soon find itself overwhelmed by the weight of its own popularity.

Greece – Athens, Santorini, Thessaloniki

Athens

• Explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora
• Walk through Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods
• Visit the National Archaeological Museum and dine on rooftop terraces

Santorini

• Watch the sunset in Oia and visit the clifftop village of Fira
• Relax on the red, black, and white sand beaches
• Explore the ruins of Akrotiri and sample local wines

Thessaloniki

• Visit the White Tower, Rotunda, and Byzantine walls
• Explore local food markets and cafes along Tsimiski Street
• Enjoy the waterfront promenade and vibrant nightlife scene

Croatia Walks a Tightrope as Locals Call for Sustainability Over Saturation

Croatia’s coastal cities have become some of Europe’s most photographed and visited destinations in recent years—but behind the scenic façades of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the pebbled shores of Split, the pressure of overtourism is building. While the country hasn’t witnessed mass anti-tourism protests like those in Spain, Italy, or Mexico, a quieter resistance is underway—one driven by local frustration, policy debates, and mounting concerns about the future.

The core of Croatia’s struggle is simple: its economy relies heavily on tourism, yet the very industry that fuels its growth is threatening to undermine the quality of life for residents. In Dubrovnik, one of the country’s most iconic tourist hotspots, the cracks have been showing for years. Locals have watched as their city has been overtaken by cruise ship crowds, short-term rentals, and selfie-stick wielding visitors drawn by “Game of Thrones” fame. Entire apartment blocks have been converted into Airbnbs. Grocery stores and family businesses have been replaced by gelato shops and souvenir stands.

While residents haven’t taken to the streets en masse, city officials have responded with urgent steps to address overtourism. Dubrovnik’s local government froze the issuance of new short-term rental permits in 2024 and has been experimenting with cruise ship caps and visitor management systems. Other cities, including Split, Zadar, and Rovinj, have joined the dialogue, pushing for more sustainable tourism models before things spiral further out of control.

Croatia’s Overtourism Response Highlights

• Protest status:
  • No mass public demonstrations in 2024–2025
• Cities leading reform efforts:
  • Dubrovnik (most active), Split, Zadar, Rovinj
• Government actions taken:
  • Freeze on new Airbnb-style permits in Dubrovnik
  • Cruise ship arrival caps and port scheduling systems introduced
• Main concerns raised by locals:
  • Displacement of residents in historic centers
  • Seasonal strain on infrastructure (waste, water, transport)
  • Loss of cultural authenticity and rising cost of living

These concerns are hardly unfounded. In 2024, Croatia welcomed approximately 21.3 million visitors, marking a 4% increase over 2023. Of those, an estimated 20.2 million arrivals stayed in commercial accommodations—up 3.9% year-over-year. This growth has been largely fueled by summer travel, cruise tourism, and a surge of European city hoppers. Cities like Dubrovnik now routinely receive multiple cruise ships per day, unleashing thousands of passengers onto small medieval streets within hours.

The seasonal imbalance is stark. For much of the year, especially during summer peaks, locals report feeling “pushed aside” in their own towns. Housing becomes scarce, rents spike temporarily, and daily services—like trash collection and water—are stretched to their limits. In places like Hvar and Korčula, even locals who depend on tourism economically say the model has become too aggressive, crowding out the very culture and calm that once made these destinations special.

Croatia may not yet have seen widespread street protests, but the undercurrent of discontent is real. Through municipal action, policy change, and local advocacy, the country is starting to push back—not against tourists, but against the unchecked pace of tourism growth. It’s a delicate balance: to preserve a booming industry without letting it swallow communities whole.

In this quiet but determined movement, Croatia is showing that protest doesn’t always come with banners and bullhorns. Sometimes, it starts with local leaders saying “enough,” and a city choosing people over profits.

Croatia – Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb

Dubrovnik

• Walk the ancient city walls and visit Fort Lovrijenac
• Explore the Old Town and Rector’s Palace
• Take a cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views

Split

• Tour Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius
• Relax on Bačvice Beach and stroll the Riva promenade
• Visit Marjan Hill for nature trails and city views

Zagreb

• Explore the medieval Upper Town and St. Mark’s Church
• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships and Dolac Market
• Walk through Maksimir Park and enjoy coffee culture

Now Mexico has joined Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Greece, Croatia, and more in a growing global protest wave against overtourism, as residents say mass travel and short-term rentals are driving up rents, displacing locals, and threatening the character of their cities. This backlash is fueled by record-breaking visitor numbers and rising frustration over policies that prioritize profit over livability.

As global travel continues to rebound and tourist numbers reach all-time highs, the growing wave of protests from Mexico to Southern Europe signals a deeper reckoning. Locals in these destinations are no longer willing to silently bear the costs of overtourism—from rising rents and lost housing to the erosion of cultural identity. While each country is responding in its own way—through protests, policy reforms, or community-led action—the message is the same: tourism must be rebalanced to serve not just visitors, but the people who call these places home.

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