Anti-Tourism Vandalism in Granada Reflects Growing Trend Across Spain

Granada, Spain is experiencing a surge in anti-tourism activism, with hundreds of access boxes for tourist flats vandalized in recent days. This incident is part of a broader pattern of protests against the impact of mass tourism on Spanish cities, mirroring similar actions in Málaga, Seville, and Barcelona.

Vandalism Targets Tourist Accommodation in Granada

Approximately 500 access boxes, commonly used for key access at Airbnb rentals, were found sabotaged on Wednesday with stickers reading “against the housing business,” according to a statement from the Granada Housing Union (SVG). Granada’s Tourist Office has recently relocated to Acera del Casino, corner of Almona del Campillo, but has not yet commented on the vandalism.

The areas most affected include Albaicín, Realejo, and Centro – neighborhoods with a high concentration of tourist apartments and where residents have long voiced concerns about the effects of tourism on their daily lives. The SVG stated the action coincides with a campaign to “travel on the offensive against the housing business” in the Andalusian city.

A Growing Problem: Anti-Tourism Activism in Spain

Although this latest incident is particularly widespread, anti-tourism activism is not new to Granada. Antonio Jesús Castillo, president of the Association of Apartments, Tourist Accommodation, and Rural Lodgings of Granada (Avitar), reported that similar attacks have occurred previously. “This happens every day, we’re tired of it,” Castillo said, expressing fears that the incidents will negatively impact tourism in the city.

Avitar estimates the material damage from this single night of vandalism could exceed €5,000, not including the disruption caused to guests – including insecurity, cancellations, and damage to the city’s tourist image. Local police have been notified, but arrests are difficult unless the activists are caught in the act.

Nationwide Trend of Anti-Tourism Protests

Granada is not alone in facing this issue. In 2024, Málaga was targeted with anti-tourism stickers proclaiming “Gain the f*ck out of here.” Lonely Planet highlights Granada’s rich history and diverse neighborhoods, making it a popular destination, but also a focal point for these tensions. Similar incidents involving vandalism with feces have been reported in Seville. Perhaps the most visible protest occurred in Barcelona, where activists sprayed tourists with water pistols during the peak of the anti-tourism movement.

Granada’s Appeal and the Challenges of Balancing Tourism and Local Life

Granada, famed for the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its unique blend of cultures, continues to attract visitors. However, the increasing number of tourists is putting a strain on housing availability and affordability for local residents, fueling the discontent that drives these protests. The city, like many others in Spain, is grappling with the challenge of balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the demand to protect the quality of life for its residents.