IRISH tourists jetting off to Spain – and other European sun spots – could face fresh holiday hell with protests planned in just days.
Fuming locals have vowed to target high foot traffic areas, airports and major landmarks during demonstrations that some have claimed will be the biggest yet.
Activists have claimed their home is being turned into a playground for tourists, blaming holidaymakers for spiralling prices, housing shortages, overcrowded city centres and environmental issues.
But despite demonstrators’ attempts to drive foreigners out, resorts across Spain are already packed with holidaymakers jetting in to make the most of the hot weather and knock-down prices.
The Sur de Europa contra la Turistizaciónm meaning the Southern Europe against Touristification, called for large-scale demonstrations in some of Europe’s most popular tourist destination on the date.
Following a meeting in Barcelona, a coalition of activists have now marked June 15 as the next protest date.
The “terrible timing” of the planned demonstrations come as thousands of Irish prepare to jet off for their summer holidays.
Speaking to the EU Today, organisers said the demonstrations are “not about hating tourists”.
One explained: “The goal is not to attack individuals but to draw attention to the social and environmental toll tourism is taking on our cities.
“We are being squeezed out of our homes, our public spaces, and our daily lives
Another added: “It’s not about hating tourists – it’s about saving our communities.”
The group have planned demonstrations in an estimated 16 locations across Spain.
Barcelona, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián, Ibiza, Pamplona, Cantabria, Seville, Málaga, Granada and Valencia in Spain are among some of the areas locals have vowed to take to the streets.
The cities leading the June 15 protests plan to mobilise under a common slogan – but each city and region will decide how to organise their actions.
The Spanish island of Majorca is expecting its biggest day of anti-tourist demonstrations yet on the same date.
And the streets of Palma, the stunning destination’s capital, are expected to be brought to a standstill during the demonstration.
DEMONSTRATIONS ACROSS EUROPE
The protest will be led by campaign group ‘Menys Turisme, Mes Vida’ , meaning ‘Less tourism, more life’.
The group claims everyday life of locals is “unbearable” due to the impact of holidaymakers and accused the government of ignoring pleas for a drastic overhaul of the tourism industry.
Demonstrations are also due to kick off in Venice, Naples, and Palermo in Italy and Lisbon in Portugal on the same date.
With hostile messages against foreigners and tourists written on public walls on the rise, fears have grown that the movement could become more hateful.
‘YOU ARE NOT WELCOME’
In Barcelona last year, a message painted in red on the wall of a side street in the city could not be clearer.
It read: “Tourism kills the city. Tourist go home. You are not welcome.”
In Tenerife, disgruntled activists scrawled “Tourists Go Home” on walls, and the chilling message “Kill A Tourist” was daubed across the front of a house.
Last month, a protestor in Barcelona told the Mirror that demonstrators “want tourists to have some level of fear about the situation”.
And one Irish holidaymaker, 32, told how he was too “scared” to be on the streets while the protests were underway on Sunday.
Alberto Babo told MailOnline: “I didn’t go out today due to the protests, I’m stuck in my Airbnb to avoid the crowds.
“I hope they are not violent or anything but just to be safe I’m here. All I can hear is the noise.”
‘WON’T GO WHERE WE’RE NOT WANTED’
TOURISTS have been taking to social media to share their thoughts on traveling to Spain amid the growing unrest.
One person said: “If it were me, I’d see if I could go somewhere else.
“A holiday is a time of relaxation, time with the family, having to worry about the locals reaction and protest would spoil your enjoyment.”
Another added: “We had a holiday booked to Ibiza but changed it to Greece. The people in Greece are so welcoming.
“We used to enjoy Spain but won’t go where we’re not wanted.”
Jaume Pujol, a spokesman for the group, said: “We stand for the right to a dignified life and to demand an end to touristification”.
And although demonstrators are attempting to bring as much attention towards their goal as possible, some have blasted the timing of the campaign.
Sarah Orr, from travel insurance comparison site Compare the Market, told the New York Post the planned day of protests is “terrible timing” for the thousands heading on holiday at this time of year.
And she said some comprehensive travel insurance policies may cover extra costs that may occur if riots, strikes or demonstrations cause disruption.
‘BE PREPARED’
But Orr warned: “However, most policies will not cover you for cancellation fees and lost deposits, if the unrest escalates, continues for some time and/or the commencement of the unrest predates the purchase of your insurance.
“While these protests are unlikely to cause major disruptions, it’s a good idea to read up on when and where they are happening, so you can plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid them if possible.
“The protests will target tourist hotspots, major landmarks and high foot traffic areas.”
Unions have urged people not to cancel their holidays, insisting that the anger is aimed at the system, not tourists.
But Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish tourists heading on holidays to Spain this summer to “be prepared to adjust travel plans at short notice” if a protest takes place.
A spokesperson said: “Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning.
“We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.
“Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey.
“You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain.”
