Else Beekman
The anti-tourism stickers, started at the initiative of a Málaga resident, have attracted international attention. The expression of citizens’ dissatisfaction over the impact of tourism on the real estate market has gone viral in countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Norway. It is also spreading rapidly in Spain.
Behind this movement is Dani Romero. He started putting stickers as a personal expression and protest. His action was so popular that he now receives messages of support and requests for stickers from cities such as San Sebastián, Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona.
Antes to’ esto era Centro, como dice esta pegatina junto a varios pisos turísticos.
Recorres las calles de #Málaga y es prácticamente imposible encontrar un edificio de viviendas que no tenga un candado y contraseña.
Pero @pacodelatorrep sigue sin mover un dedo por los… pic.twitter.com/27dGEf5rTT
— Dani Pérez /❤️🇪🇺 (@aDanielPerez) March 12, 2024
Unique protest
According to La Vanguardia, these stickers reflect a broader reality that affects many tourist cities worldwide. The massive influx of visitors has transformed entire neighbourhoods. This is also the case in other parts of Europe and many cities are struggling with the challenges of overtourism.
The Guardian wrote earlier this year that residents of Málaga are expressing their frustration by placing stickers on the key safes of tourist accommodations. The stickers contain clear and powerful messages such as “A family lived here” and “This was once the centre”. The paper highlights growing concerns about how “excessive tourism is driving up rents” and transforming entire neighbourhoods.
International attention
The Norwegian medium Dinside points out the fatigue of the Malagueños due to the increase in tourism. According to this medium, the stickers are not only a protest, but also intended to “warn local residents and inform tourists that a growing number of tourists are contributing to driving up rental prices.”
In France, the newspaper Le Figaro looks at the situation from a cultural and economic angle, explaining how rising housing prices are directly linked to the pressure of tourist rentals. Their headlines emphasise the messages of the stickers: “Go home” and “it stinks of tourists in here.”
Also read: Canarians focus anti-tourism sentiment on brokers for foreigners