Now US Holidayers are Facing Rising Tensions in Europe as Anti Tourism Protests Erupt in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, Locals Spray Waters Through Guns and Demands “Tourists Go Home”

Published on June 18, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Now US holidayers are facing rising tensions in Europe as anti-tourism protests erupt across Spain, Portugal, and Italy. What started as quiet frustration has exploded into public outcry. Locals are taking to the streets. They spray waters through guns at tourists, demanding one chilling message—“Tourists go home.”

Meanwhile, American travelers, once welcomed with open arms, now find themselves caught in the middle of growing unrest. In Spain, protests in Mallorca and Barcelona have become louder. In Portugal, crowds flood Lisbon, waving signs and blocking cafes. And in Italy, tensions climb across Venice and Milan.

As protests erupt and tensions rise, U.S. holidayers are rethinking plans. Streets feel uneasy. Attractions are closing. And the phrase “tourists go home” echoes louder every day. So why are locals fighting back now? And how did waters through guns become the frontline symbol of frustration? The answers are unfolding—and they’re urgent.

Europe’s postcard-perfect destinations are facing a new reality—one where mass protests, rising hostility, and disruptive policies are beginning to overshadow the promise of a dream vacation. For US travelers planning trips to Spain, Portugal, and Italy, the message is clear: the landscape is changing fast, and not in your favor.

This past weekend, thousands took to the streets in Mallorca, Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice, and San Sebastián, protesting what they see as the overwhelming invasion of mass tourism. Once-welcoming hotspots are becoming flashpoints of frustration. The very places travelers dream of escaping to are now hotbeds of tension—with rising civil unrest, shuttered museums, and mounting travel restrictions.

Mallorca’s Tourism Backlash Turns Physical

In Palma de Mallorca, the anger turned visceral. Demonstrators stormed through the streets of the capital, dousing stunned tourists with water guns. The protest targeted not just tourists, but what residents describe as a system that’s pricing them out of their own communities.

Short-term rentals and inflated housing costs are pushing locals into the margins. As a result, the anti-tourism sentiment has intensified. The message from the streets was unmissable—tourism is no longer welcome without accountability.

Lisbon and Venice Join the Revolt

In Lisbon, protestors marched past cafés and public squares, waving banners with messages like “Lisbon against touristification.” The tone was angry but organized. Their goal: to reclaim local neighborhoods from what they believe is a takeover by big tourism.

In Venice, the situation escalated with more than just placards. Tourists arriving this spring were met with a newly imposed entry fee—the first of its kind for a major European city. The city also began restricting access during peak hours and capping day visitors. Residents argue that the iconic city is drowning in crowds, cruise ships, and unaffordable housing.

Museums and Monuments Disrupted

Even cultural institutions are joining the fight. In Paris, the Louvre Museum closed its doors temporarily as staff walked out to protest overcrowding and staff shortages. Visitors arriving for a once-in-a-lifetime experience were met with metal gates and silence.

It wasn’t just about comfort. It was a call for reform. Workers are overwhelmed. Infrastructure is cracking. The tourism ecosystem that once brought prestige is now straining under its own weight.

The US Travel Advisory: New Precautions Issued

In response to growing tensions, the U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for key European countries.

• Spain and Italy now carry a Level 2 advisory due to terrorism and civil unrest. Americans are urged to exercise increased caution in tourist zones and public transportation hubs.
• Portugal remains at Level 1, but the embassy continues to monitor the situation amid protests and disruptions.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to stay alert, avoid large gatherings, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security updates.

What Countries Are Doing to Control the Crisis

Governments and local authorities aren’t standing still. They are tightening tourism policies and pushing back against mass exploitation of local spaces.

• Barcelona has committed to canceling over 10,000 short-term rental permits by 2028. The city has also raised daily tourist taxes, particularly for cruise passengers visiting less than 12 hours.
• Venice is experimenting with timed entry windows and digital reservation systems for access to key landmarks.
• Pompeii now enforces a strict daily visitor cap of 20,000 people, aiming to preserve the UNESCO site while discouraging unregulated tour groups.
• Lisbon has introduced zoning laws and tax limits on rental properties to curb corporate buying and protect local housing.

These measures signal a seismic shift. The age of unregulated travel is ending, and a more controlled, measured model is taking its place.

Why This Matters for U.S. Tourists

For Americans planning European getaways, the message is urgent: do not travel blind. The hospitality that once defined iconic cities like Rome, Barcelona, or Lisbon is now conditional. Cultural fatigue is real. Locals are demanding breathing space.

If you’re traveling, adapt your mindset:

• Choose lesser-known destinations over overrun capitals.
• Book licensed accommodations through verified channels.
• Respect local customs, laws, and public demonstrations.
• Stay informed through embassy alerts and local media.
• Be prepared for itinerary changes, closures, or detours.

A Tipping Point for the Travel Industry

What’s unfolding in Europe is more than a temporary backlash. It’s a cultural turning point in global tourism. Cities that once relied on mass footfall are questioning the very foundation of their economic strategy. Governments are no longer chasing volume—they’re choosing sustainability.

For travel agencies, airlines, and hotel chains, the shift means rethinking everything from marketing to logistics. Destinations that embraced mass arrivals are now redefining success based on balance and protection. The tourism of tomorrow will look more local, more controlled, and far less forgiving.

What Happens Next?

With the summer travel season underway, tensions may rise before they ease. If demonstrations escalate, additional restrictions may follow. U.S. travelers should prepare for real-time changes, including new fees, visitor caps, or even temporary closures at major attractions.

The best defense is preparation. Stay flexible. Travel respectfully. Know before you go.

Because in today’s Europe, it’s not just where you go—it’s how you travel that determines whether you’re welcome.