Thousands of people in Spain are protesting against mass tourism. Residents have sprayed tourists with water guns. In Mallorca, 10,000 people took to the streets shouting: "Enough is enough." People there are angry that their rents are increasing. It is now very difficult for locals to buy a house. This is because of tourism. Property prices are very high because companies are buying them to rent to tourists. A tourism spokesperson said: "The people who work in the tourism industry can't afford the rent in their own city." She said this is unsustainable and things have to change.
Residents in tourist areas have many complaints. Many can no longer find somewhere to live. Some have to move house because landlords are increasing rents. Daily life is also becoming a problem. Buses and trains are full of tourists with backpacks. Towns are having problems keeping their streets clean of litter. Local people also have problems eating at their favourite restaurants because of tourists. Spain is not the only country where tourism is a problem. Japan, Austria and Mexico also have problems. They want to find a balance between helping local people and tourists.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Mass Tourism - Level 0, Mass Tourism - Level 1 or Mass Tourism - Level 3
Sources- https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/28/malaga-protest-mass-tourism-housing-spain
- https://www.dw.com/en/barcelona-to-up-tourist-tax-as-mallorca-seeks-visitor-cap/a-69722824
- https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/barcelona-hawaii-amsterdam-tourists-overtourism-b2582315.html
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