Panic in Spain as overtourism crisis prices locals out of their homes

Spaniards are increasingly opting for trips abroad as they've been priced out of their homes, while tourists flock to their country. Last year, Spain attracted a staggering 94 million tourists, yet domestic travel by Spanish citizens decreased by 0.8%. Locals have been priced out of popular resorts such as Valencia, a city renowned for its rich history and stunning coastal areas.

Carlos Moreno, a 63-year-old doorman from Madrid, said the cost of renting a flat for even a week has become prohibitively expensive. He told The Times: "We used to pay about €1,200 for an apartment for 15 days. Now a week costs that much or even double. We can't afford a hotel and we don't fancy camping." Instead of their usual trip to Valencia, Carlos and his wife have had to remain in Madrid. Wendy Davila from Alicante also told Travel And Tour World that she finds the beach areas in Spain too pricey.

She said: "Prices are exorbitant. The whole coast of Spain is very expensive. Now you can't vacation wherever you want, but wherever you can afford."

Rather than heading to Spain's popular coastal locations, locals are venturing inland, with 1.7 million Spaniards last year preferring central destinations over beaches.

There are a variety of reasons behind this shift. Hotel prices have surged by more than 50% in the past four years, and even camping trips have seen an 11% increase. The cost of apartments has also reportedly risen by 37%.

Spaniards choosing to holiday at local beaches are faced with a 21% hike in dining out costs since 2021, while domestic flights have also seen an 8% rise between January and April.

The cost-of-living crisis is also taking its toll, with a third of Spaniards admitting they can't afford a week-long holiday, according to the National Statistics Institute.

Experts point to soaring rental prices as the culprit, with 40% of renters unable to afford regular holidays, compared to 28% of homeowners.

Tensions over tourism have been simmering in the country recently as a result. Last year, anti-tourism protestors took to the streets of the Basque city of San Sebastian.

Activists marched behind a banner that read in Basque and Spanish: "Decrease in tourism now."