British expatriates in Girona, Catalonia, are voicing anger over a proposal for a municipal register of foreign residents as part of efforts to address mass tourism, sparking backlash and comparisons to authoritarian measures.
British expatriates in Girona, Catalonia, are expressing anger following calls for a municipal register of foreign residents. The proposal is put forth by the activist group “Platform for the reduction of tourists in Girona” as part of broader efforts to address mass tourism in the city, which attracts millions of visitors annually.
The group has suggested additional measures such as patrolling for illegal tourist accommodations and reducing the overall number of visitors. The activists argue that excessive tourism is detrimental, having reached its saturation point, benefiting a few while compromising the quality of life for locals.
The proposal for a foreign residents’ list has met with backlash from British and other expatriates. Critics on social media have described the measure as extreme, likening it to authoritarian practices. Similar anti-tourism sentiments and protests have emerged in other parts of Spain, including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, where locals are also voicing concerns over the impact of mass tourism.
In Majorca and Ibiza, protesters have called for stricter regulations to manage tourist numbers and mitigate negative effects on local communities, including housing shortages and crowded public spaces. An April demonstration in Tenerife saw significant participation, with demands for sustainable tourism policies.
The rising tensions underscore ongoing conflicts between local residents and the influx of tourists, prompting calls for sustainable and equitable tourism practices across various Spanish regions.
