This summer, while much of Spain was embroiled in protests against unchecked tourism, a different story unfolded on the Cíes Islands, off the coast of Galicia. Here, a sense of tranquility prevailed, with a young cormorant observing visitors crossing the breakwater and a kestrel soaring above the lighthouse. Fishermen hauled clams from the Atlantic depths, while a boat glided across the serene waters.
This peaceful scene was a far cry from the past. Just seven years ago, the Cíes Islands, part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, were swamped by thousands of tourists each day during peak season. This relentless influx put immense strain on the fragile ecosystem.
To protect the islands’ natural beauty, the regional government implemented a daily visitor cap, limiting the number of tourists to 1,800 between May and September, with the limit dropping to 450 during the off-season. Visitors must secure a QR code online and pay €25 (£21) for the ferry. While some might complain on TripAdvisor about chilly water or pesky seagulls, the decision to limit visitors has been widely lauded.
However, experts caution that the Cíes Islands’ solution is not a universal panacea for the global overtourism problem. While limiting visitor numbers can effectively protect a fragile environment, it doesn’t address the broader anxieties driving protests across Spain and beyond.
Concerns about overtourism are merely the surface layer of a deeper issue. Underlying these concerns are housing crises, unstable employment, and the escalating climate emergency, posing significant threats that extend far beyond the impact of tourism.
The recent surge in protests against mass tourism in cities like Barcelona has spurred similar demonstrations in other regions, highlighting a deep disconnect between local communities and their governing authorities. This tension reveals a significant gap between the people and those meant to represent them.
The varying stages of tourism development across different destinations present a complex challenge. While cities have diverse sources of income, many Mediterranean islands rely heavily on tourism revenue. This disparity makes finding a universal solution difficult.
The economic dependence of some regions on tourism complicates efforts to address overtourism. While cities can rely on other industries to provide a buffer, for islands whose economies are built around tourism, the situation is far more delicate. Striking a balance between protecting natural resources and fostering economic growth requires careful consideration and innovative solutions.
