Protests against overtourism across Europe and EU policy response

Abstract

Protests against overtourism are not new, but post-pandemic recovery has intensified concerns, sparking demonstrations across Europe. This chapter examines these protests using Protest Event Analysis (PEA) alongside an assessment of key European Union (EU) policy documents and initiatives. Findings indicate an increase in protests in 2024, particularly in the Mediterranean region, with major grievances centred on declining local quality of life and housing challenges. Demonstrations were the predominant form of protest. In response, the EU introduced new short-term rental regulations to improve data collection and support local authorities in decision-making. However, with tourism being a supporting competence of the EU, broader action remains limited. Ahead of the forthcoming EU sustainable tourism strategy, the EU is aiming to enhance sustainability by equipping competent authorities with data-driven and digital tools to redistribute tourist flows to under-visited areas, promoting “balanced tourism.” These efforts seek to mitigate overtourism’s negative effects while fostering a more sustainable, equitable tourism model.