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Alicante Residents Rally Against Over Tourism and Rising Rents

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On July 25, 2025, nearly 1,000 residents of Alicante participated in a protest against the growing influence of tourism on their city. Demonstrators claimed that an influx of British holidaymakers has transformed Alicante into a “tourist theme park,” leading to escalating housing costs and the displacement of local residents. The demonstration was organized by the group Alicante ¿a dónde vas? (Alicante Where Are You Going?).

Protesters displayed banners with messages like “refugees welcome, tourists go home” and “No Airbnb,” reflecting their concerns about the rising number of tourist flats that have made living in the city increasingly unaffordable for locals. Activists allege that the conversion of residential properties into tourist accommodations has directly contributed to the housing crisis.

Growing Concerns Over Housing Crisis

The Spanish National Statistics Institute reported that in 2022, the Alicante region attracted approximately 4.8 million tourists, with nearly 1.3 million being British nationals. This surge in tourism has notably affected local communities, particularly in areas like Benidorm, which accounted for 2.3 million visitors.

Salvador Cobo, a spokesperson for the protest group, emphasized the detrimental effects of mass tourism. He stated, “The city has experienced a proliferation of tourist apartments, and the corresponding rise in rental prices has led to the expulsion of many families.” He highlighted that the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom flat in Alicante now ranges from €700 to €900 (£611 to £786), making it difficult for locals to maintain their residences.

Local authorities have begun to respond to these concerns. Just last week, the Alicante council imposed a freeze on new licenses for properties designated entirely for tourist use. This measure aims to curb the rapid increase in short-term rentals that have contributed to the gentrification of the city.

Community Voices Against Mass Tourism

During the demonstration, protesters shared their personal stories, including the looming closure of Libreria 80 Mundos, a beloved bookshop that has operated in Alicante for over 40 years. The store is set to close after the building it occupies was sold for conversion into tourist accommodations.

Jordi Arnes Fernandez, another organizer of the protest, articulated a balanced perspective. “We are not against tourism,” he said, “only against mass tourism that changes the character of the city and drives up prices for locals.” He called for a more sustainable approach to tourism that does not compromise the quality of life for residents.

The protest in Alicante is part of a broader movement across Spain, where communities are increasingly vocal about the impacts of what activists describe as “touristification.” Earlier this year, coordinated protests erupted in various cities, including Barcelona and Venice, where residents expressed similar grievances.

In response to the growing backlash, Spain’s government has mandated that Airbnb close nearly 66,000 tourist flats that allegedly violate regulations. The company has contested this order and plans to appeal, asserting that short-term rentals are essential for distributing tourist traffic more evenly throughout urban areas.

This latest protest in Alicante reflects a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the balance between tourism and local community needs. As cities grapple with the challenges posed by large volumes of tourists, residents continue to advocate for policies that prioritize their rights and living conditions.

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