Overview

• The SET European Network Against Touristification, representing 17 communities, concluded a summit in Barcelona to strategize summer protests against overtourism.
• Activists plan to target airports and major tourist destinations, using fear-based tactics to deter visitors and push for policy changes.
• Key grievances include rising rents, reduced affordable housing, and environmental damage attributed to mass tourism in popular European destinations.
• Tourism contributes 13% to Spain's GDP and employs millions, creating tension between economic reliance and calls for sustainability measures.
• Governments have introduced policies like tourist taxes, rental restrictions, and promotion of lesser-known areas to address overtourism challenges.