Ibiza Youth Association residents protest overtourism and rising living costs on the Spanish island
Around 100 residents organized by the Ibiza Youth Association staged a protest at Cala Saladeta beach to address the impacts of overtourism. The group, composed of young islanders, expressed frustration over the loss of local culture and public spaces to the overwhelming influx of visitors. Activists argued that the current tourism model prioritizes wealthy foreigners and famous partygoers, which has driven up housing, food, and other living costs, making the island increasingly unaffordable for locals. The group called for a tourism model that emphasizes residents and limits visitor growth, seeking to make public spaces like coves more peaceful and accessible to those who live on the island. Ibiza Island Council President Vicent Marà defended the island's efforts to manage tourism, stating that the island has been a pioneer in addressing overcrowding and balancing the needs of residents and visitors. The Ibiza Youth Association also announced plans for a future demonstration on September 20 to oppose the planned expansion of the island's airport.
Sources
-
Angry locals block famous beach as mass tourism protests escalate at vacation hot spot
foxnews.com
-
‘The island is not for sale’: Ibiza locals take over beach in overtourism protest
KTSA
-
Anti-tourism activists descend on ‘overcrowded’ beach at iconic vacation destination for partygoers
nypost.com