“Slowing the Influx: Europe’s Tourism Paradox and the Growingต Protests Ahead”

**Tourism in Europe’s Hotspots: What to Expect for 2025**

In recent years, tourism in Europe’s hotspots has continued to rise, with many cities facing the challenges of overtourism. In 2024, anti-tourism protests erupted across the continent, as locals and residents fought back to regain their cities. But what can we expect for the coming year?

**Authorities Respond with Different Overtourism Measures**

In response to the protests, authorities in various cities have introduced measures to address the issue of overtourism. In Barcelona, the city council vowed to get rid of all Airbnb-style accommodation by 2028, and in December 2024, they took the first step by approving an amendment for stricter limits on short-term rentals. Venice limited tour groups and banned megaphones, while Málaga barred new holiday flats in 43 city neighborhoods. The Canary Islands decreed that 90% of residential areas must be allocated to permanent residences within the next five years. Amsterdam, on the other hand, launched a “Stay Away” campaign and an interactive quiz to test visitors on behavioral etiquette.

**Protests Continue**

Protesters continue to argue that tourism is contributing to climatic, social, and environmental issues, as well as the housing emergency. They believe that authorities are not doing enough to address the issue and are instead promoting tourism growth. The Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turístic (Assembly of Neighbourhoods for the Decline of Tourism or ABDT) in Barcelona has been one of the main organizers of the protests. They plan to continue mobilizing against tourism and urge authorities to abandon policies that promote tourism growth.

**Canary Islands to Hold More Anti-Tourist Protests**

Nestor Marrero Rodríguez, secretary of the Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature (ATAN), has also spoken out against the authorities’ response to overtourism. He believes that new projects are still being planned that will contribute to the current situation of degradation of the territory and perpetuate the poverty of Canarian society. Rodríguez confirms that there will be several demonstrations in tourist areas in 2025 among other planned protests.

**Amsterdam: Should Visitors Still ‘Stay Away’?**

In Amsterdam, city councillor Sofyan Mbarki speaks to Euronews Travel about the city’s plans to tackle issues of overtourism in 2025. Mbarki explains that over the past years, more than 75 measures have been implemented to combat the negative effects of overtourism. He confirms that one of the ways they’ll do this in 2025 is by continuing to ban the addition of beds in hotels in the city, as well as the ban on the creation of new hotels. Mbarki reminds visitors that they are welcome, but not if they misbehave or cause disturbances.

**FAQs**

Q: What measures are cities taking to address overtourism?
A: Cities are implementing various measures such as limiting tour groups, banning megaphones, and regulating short-term rentals.

Q: What are protesters demanding?
A: Protesters are demanding that authorities abandon policies that promote tourism growth and take measures to reduce the negative impacts of tourism.

Q: Will tourism continue to rise in 2025?
A: Yes, according to the Spanish Tourism Board, international tourists are expected to grow by 25% in the winter of 2024/25 compared with last year.

**Conclusion**

As we enter 2025, it is clear that overtourism remains a major issue in many of Europe’s hotspots. While cities are implementing various measures to address the issue, protesters continue to argue that more needs to be done. As tourists, we can play a role in reducing the negative impacts of tourism by being mindful of the rules and exploring areas outside the city centre. We can also support local businesses and communities that are working to promote sustainable tourism. Ultimately, finding a balance between tourism and the needs of local residents will be key to addressing the issue of overtourism in the coming year.