Spain's record tourism fuels local protests as Andorra pushes for longer visitor stays

Spain is on track to welcome close to 100 million foreign tourists this summer, following a record 97 million arrivals last year and a historic 9.1 million visitors in April alone. Industry leaders view the surge as an opportunity to become the world’s most‑visited destination, but the influx has sparked repeated protests in cities such as Barcelona and on the Balearic islands, where locals decry overcrowding, pressure on housing and strained infrastructure. Anti‑tourism groups have organized further actions, including plans to block Palma de Mallorca on 26 July, while authorities have tried to ease tensions by limiting cruise‑ship arrivals and tightening behavioural rules for visitors.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring micro‑state of Andorra, nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, is launching a new promotional campaign aimed at converting day‑trip visitors into longer‑stay tourists. The initiative highlights the country’s natural parks, UNESCO‑protected sites, a high concentration of museums and about 300 km of ski slopes, seeking to position Andorra as a full‑season destination rather than a brief stopover.