Pamplona Bans Tourists: Residents Demand “No More Visitors”

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Pamplona, Spain, famous for the iconic San Fermin bull-running festival, has implemented strict measures to limit the influx of tourists that has put a strain on the city’s housing and local economy. The decision comes after rising frustrations among residents, who have protested the pressure tourist rentals place on the local housing market. Protestors went as far as sabotaging key boxes outside short-term rental flats with glue and silicone during the festival season.

The city council, run by a left-wing coalition, has now introduced a ban on granting new licenses for short-term tourist apartments in the historic old town. This decision was made to address issues such as surging house prices, both for rent and sale, and the negative impact on local businesses. The council argued that the high prices of tourist apartments contribute to increased tensions in the housing market, making it harder for locals to find affordable accommodation.

Joxe Abauerra, a representative of the Basque separatist party EH Bildu, stated that the measure was necessary to preserve the city’s identity and support sustainable tourism. He emphasized that the council aims to maintain the old town as a residential and commercial area for local citizens rather than tourists.

This action follows a broader trend in Spain, where several regions, including Barcelona, Majorca, and the Canary Islands, have seen protests against over-tourism. A recent survey by YouGov revealed that one-third of Spaniards believe their areas suffer from too many tourists, with Catalonia being the most affected, where 48% of locals expressed their dissatisfaction.

Majorca, another hotspot for tourism, has already witnessed a 10% drop in visitors following ongoing protests. Some holidaymakers have reported hostile behavior, including a British tourist whose pregnant daughter was harassed with chants of “Tourists go home.”

Pamplona’s new measures reflect a growing trend across Europe, where popular tourist destinations are grappling with the need to balance the benefits of tourism with the quality of life for local residents.

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