The government of Spain is the target of anti-tourism demonstrations pointing to the growing tensions of over-tourism in its strategic tourism and travel industry.

The thriving travel and tourism industry in Spain is facing scathing criticism amid high levels of anti-tourism demonstrations in central Spanish cities, such as Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. Protesters have been attacking foreign tourists with water cannons and on banners they are demanding that tourism is terrorism because of soaring rents, overcrowding and transformation.

The demonstrations with their crescendo in mid-June 2025 affected the local stature and fine cuisine restaurants, which began to raise the question of mass tourism viability. Attention has been drawn to the necessity of radical change in Spanish tourism policy as locals were furious about not being able to afford their neighborhoods because of short-term tourist arrivals.

The officials in the region criticized the action but shared the frustration that was on the increase. The fact that there are barely a few hundred thousand jobs in the Balearic Islands alone highlights the significance of the tourism sector to Spain's economy. However, the movement underscores the increasing demand in Europe that tourism structures are altering to focus on the well-being of the locals.

Otherwise, the country of Spain may lose its image of being a tourist haven. To promote sustainable tourism, researchers call for the development of sustainable travel & tourism policies, enhancement of the housing control systems, and community-oriented projects.