Water pistols at the ready: Irish holidaymakers in firing line for anti-tourism protests

Planned protests in Spain, Portugal, and Italy as some locals say tourism fuelling accommodation crisis

Fri, 13 Jun, 2025 - 14:22

Joan Faus and Corina Pons

Activists against overtourism are planning protests across Spain, Portugal, and Italy on Sunday, with one group urging people to bring water pistols to the demonstration in Barcelona.

Anger has been growing in southern Europe against what protesters say are excessive levels of tourism that they complain are forcing locals out of affordable accommodation, pushing up living costs and clogging up city centres.

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