Fed-up locals will take to the streets of Alicante on Friday to protest against the tourism industry.
Specifically, organisers say they are marching against ‘drunk tourism’ and the ‘expulsion’ of local residents and businesses due to the proliferation of Airbnb and other tourist accommodation.
It comes after a recent protest outside the iconic 80 Mundos bookstore in Alicante city, which is being bought by a wealthy family who plan to convert it into holiday apartments.
Alicante is a hugely popular area for British expats and tourists, with the hedonistic resort of Benidorm a short drive away.
It has typically shied away from joining the so-called ‘anti-tourism movement’ that is sweeping other destinations, such as Tenerife and Mallorca.
The Alicante, a donde vas (Alicante, where a you going?) platform said the protest will take place on July 25 at 8pm.
According to the organisers, one of the goals ‘is to raise public awareness about the impact of tourist apartments on the quality of life of Alicante’s residents.’
In a statement, they said: ‘The city has experienced a proliferation of tourist apartments, and the corresponding rise in rental prices has led to the expulsion of many families and residents who can no longer maintain their homes in the city or access any housing.’
The group specifically cited the 80 Mundos bookstore backlash, which it said is ‘leaving its customers without this historic space so important to the city in exchange for offering more vacation rentals.’
This trend, they believe, is turning Alicante into a theme park for ‘drunken tourism and leaving the people who live in the neighbourhood without their own spaces.’
They fear ‘the authentic character of some neighbourhoods is being lost, increasing the cost of living for local residents and putting pressure on urban resources, while at the same time attracting foreign investors seeking to take advantage of this economic trend that the institutions have failed to curb.’
The organisers said they want to ‘draw the attention of the authorities and promote policies that regulate the use of housing for tourist purposes, ensuring that Alicante remains a habitable and welcoming place for all.’
The group said it invites all individuals, communities, and collectives to participate and show their support ‘in defence of a more just and balanced city.’
The demonstration will start at 8pm from the 80 Mundos bookstore, at 14 Avenida General Marva, and will conclude at the Postiguet beach promenade under the slogan ‘defend your neighborhood, stand up to touristification.’
