Spain, Italy and France Face Growing Anti‑Tourism Protests

Mass tourism in Europe is prompting strong backlash from local communities in several major destinations. A report by JB.com ranks Spain (100 points), Italy (98) and France (71) as the countries with the highest intensity of protests, media attention and tourism taxes. In Spain, demonstrations have taken place in more than 40 cities, from Barcelona to the Canary Islands, with activists accusing tourists of driving up housing costs. Italy has seen protests in Venice, Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan, including sabotage of short‑term rental platforms, while France recorded national rallies in Marseille, Nice and Paris.

Tourist arrivals are still rising sharply. Official data show that in the first four months of 2026 Spanish visitors increased by 3.4%, and the tourism ministry expects a 7.1% surge in international arrivals in June. Italy projects a 12% jump in June, and France a 2.6% increase. The report also notes that Cyprus and Albania report almost no protests, contrasting sharply with the unrest in the three hardest‑hit markets.